Cuban oregano (Indian borage) Coleus amboinicus
Cuban oregano (Indian borage) (Coleus amboinicus) is an evergreen perennial herb in the Lamiaceae family, native to Eastern and southern Africa. It grows 30–90 cm (12–35 in) tall and 40–90 cm (16–35 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and low water, and is hardy to about 3 °C (37 °F). Space plants about 45 cm (18 in) apart.
Plan Cuban oregano (Indian borage) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Cuban oregano (Indian borage) at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Mature height | 30–90 cm (12–35 in) |
| Mature spread | 40–90 cm (16–35 in) |
| Spacing | 45 cm (18 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 3 °C (37 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | about 21–43 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: fleshy leaves (oregano-thyme flavour; sparingly) |
| Native to | Eastern and southern Africa |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇳 India, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇴 Colombia |
Is Cuban oregano (Indian borage) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves
Eaten as a herb by people. The ASPCA lists coleus (Coleus ampoinicus) as toxic to cats and dogs: vomiting and diarrhoea.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Cuban oregano (Indian borage)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and low water.
Questions about Cuban oregano (Indian borage)
- How far apart should I plant Cuban oregano (Indian borage)?
- About 45 cm (18 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 40–90 cm (16–35 in).
- Does Cuban oregano (Indian borage) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Cuban oregano (Indian borage) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Cuban oregano (Indian borage)?
- It tolerates about 3 °C (37 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Cuban oregano (Indian borage) flower?
- About 21–43 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks.
- Is Cuban oregano (Indian borage) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Eaten as a herb by people. The ASPCA lists coleus (Coleus ampoinicus) as toxic to cats and dogs: vomiting and diarrhoea.
- What grows well with Cuban oregano (Indian borage)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Cuban oregano (Indian borage). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Flora & Fauna Web, National Parks Board, Singapore
- Philippine Medicinal Plants, StuartXchange
Notes and assumptions
- Formerly Plectranthus amboinicus. Thick, velvety, scalloped leaves with a strong oregano scent; roots in days from cuttings. Grown in pots across the tropics (karpooravalli in South India, oregano brujo in the Caribbean). Frost kills it.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Basil Ocimum basilicum
- Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus
- Thyme Thymus vulgaris
- Mint Mentha spicata
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Creeping thyme Thymus serpyllum
- Common sage Salvia officinalis
- Oregano Origanum vulgare