Coleus Canina

The scaredy-cat plant, or Coleus canina, is one of many examples of gardener's traditions and tales that aren't always exactly true. Legend has it that this plant smells so bad that it will repel cats, dogs, rabbits, and any other small mammal that might otherwise get into the garden and eat the plants. What Is Coleus Canina? The scaredy-cat plant (botanical name Coleus canina or Plectranthus caninus) is a tender perennial member of the mint family. Like painted nettle and other foliage plants of the family Lamiaceae, this Coleus plant gives off a strong odor.

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Coleus canina, also called Scaredy-Cat plants, Dogbane, and even a "piss off plant" in parts of England, is considered a tender perennial plant that thrives in USDA zones 9 and 8 outside and grows well as a houseplant in either an eastern or south-facing window. Cat deterring aside, Coleus caninus is an attractive frost-tender perennial plant that forms a neat bush of lush foliage and bears blue flowers in summer. The rounded to scallop-edged green or grey-green leaves have a pungent unpleasant smell to humans, though mostly only when touched or bruised. "Coleus canina, commonly known as Scaredy Cat plant, is a potable leafy plant that cats find offensive and makes a great buffer around other plants that your cat may find more desirable," Dr. Kerri Marshall, Chief Veterinary Officer for Trupanion tells HGTVGardens. Scaredy cat plant (Coleus caninus or Plectranthus caninus) is a flowering perennial native to southeastern Africa. A member of the mint family, it emits a strong, unpleasant odor that is thought (though without scientific verification) to repel cats, dogs, and other animals.

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Updated on 08/13/22 Reviewed by Julie Thompson-Adolf The Spruce / Cori Sears In This Article Care Types Pruning Propagating Growing From Seeds Potting Common Pests & Diseases Frequently Asked Questions Coleus caninus, synonym Plectranthus caninus, is a herb from the mint family Lamiaceae, native to southern and eastern Africa from Angola to Sudan and to India and Myanmar. [1] A plant sold under the name " Coleus canina " or "scaredy cat plant" is supposed to scare off cats and dogs. April 11, 2023 by Clare Groom Coleus spp. Every summer, my deck is adorned with the vibrant multicolored foliage of coleus. From vivid pinks to moody dark maroons, in an almost endless variety of patterns, these tropical plants make a strong statement in beds, borders, and containers. And they're easy to grow. Scaredy cat plant - plectranthus caninus (coleus canina) Don't take the name as gospel. The name was created for marketing purposes. This plant smells of dog urine and is supposed to deter both cats and dogs. The scaredy cat plant only works on roughly 70% of cats, so it's a bit of a risk.

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Scientific name: Felis catus Plants affected: Flower beds and vegetable gardens Main symptoms: Excrement left on the soil surface or partly buried, often with a pungent smell Most active: All year round Jump to What are cats? Symptoms Management What are cats? Cats are familiar pets that can roam freely through gardens. Symptoms At it's most effective when grown in full sun and when fully established, Coleus canina 'Scaredy Cat' is undemanding and surprisingly drought tolerant. Cats, dogs, rabbits, and even foxes hate the pungent scented foliage of this plant! Thankfully this cat deterrent plant can only be smelled by humans when it is touched. Height: 45cm (18"). When growing coleus plants, keep in mind that these beauties can grow rapidly. Plant coleus close together as bedding plants or tuck them into baskets and containers for a stunning, fast-growing addition. Light. Most varieties of coleus grow best in partial shade. Some tolerate even deep or full shade. A few newer varieties will grow in full sun. The neat grey-green leaves and small pale blue flowers make this half-hardy perennial an attractive addition to borders and containers. At it's most effective when grown in full sun and when fully established, Coleus canina 'Scaredy Cat'™ is undemanding and surprisingly drought tolerant. Cats, dogs, rabbits, and even foxes hate the pungent scented foliage of this plant!

How to Grow Coleus Plants

Height: up to 1m tall with a spread of about 60cm. Foliage: oval, bright coloured, velvety and soft. Climate: tropical to sub-tropical. Soil: loamy, well-drained soil or premium potting mix. Position: dappled shade—leaves will burn if placed in full sun; will tolerate full shade. The scaredy cat plant, formally known as Coleus canina or Plectranthus caninus, is one of those myths we really don't fully understand. Rumor has it that it smells so much like a skunk that the stench repulses cats, dogs, rabbits, squirrels, and other animals, causing them to stay away. Because of this, some have used this plant to try to keep.