Patchouli Pogostemon cablin
Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) is an evergreen perennial herb in the Lamiaceae family, native to The Philippines; cultivated across tropical Asia. It grows 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) tall and 50–90 cm (20–35 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about 7 °C (45 °F). Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart.
Plan Patchouli in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Patchouli at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) |
| Mature spread | 50–90 cm (20–35 in) |
| Spacing | 60 cm (24 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 7 °C (45 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 11) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | about 52–104 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | The Philippines; cultivated across tropical Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇮🇳 India, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇨🇳 China, 🇸🇬 Singapore |
Is Patchouli toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: oil
The plant is harmless to touch; the essential oil is not for internal use and, like most essential oils, can harm cats.
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 Patchouli
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Patchouli
- How far apart should I plant Patchouli?
- About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50–90 cm (20–35 in).
- Does Patchouli need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Patchouli need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Patchouli?
- It tolerates about 7 °C (45 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 11.
- When does Patchouli flower?
- About 52–104 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks.
- Is Patchouli poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. The plant is harmless to touch; the essential oil is not for internal use and, like most essential oils, can harm cats.
- What grows well with Patchouli?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Patchouli. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- PROSEA: Plant Resources of South-East Asia, PROSEA Foundation, Bogor
- Flora & Fauna Web, National Parks Board, Singapore
Notes and assumptions
- A soft, bushy herb with downy, toothed leaves; the scent develops only when the leaves are dried and fermented before distilling. Indonesia (Sulawesi, Aceh) produces most patchouli oil. Rarely flowers in cultivation; grown from cuttings.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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