Promising Plants Profiles

Orthosiphon aristatus

syn. O. stamineus, O. spicatus

Genus: Orthosiphon
Specific Epithet: aristatus
Common Names: Java tea, cat's whiskers
Family: Lamiaceae

Flower Color: white or purple
Form: perennial but grown as an annual below zone 9
Hardiness Zone: 9+
Height: 1-2' (grown as an annual)
Soil: moist garden soil
Sun: full sun; will grow in light shade in warm climates

Uses: medicinal, ornamental
Parts Used: leaves, stem tips

"Cat's whiskers is one of the most elegant garden annuals I have grown. It is also an easy to grow plant that deserves more attention. Native to tropical Southeast Asia, it is only hardy to zones 9 and higher. It grows to be about 1 to 2 feet tall and has a very open branching habit with 1-inch dark green, ovate leaves with serrated margins. At the end of the branches are racemes of flowers. When the flowers open, the stamens and pistil extend out far beyond the petals, creating the "cat's whiskers" effect. The flowers are most commonly white, but they can also occur in shades of purple. Orthosiphon prefers full sun and a moist garden soil for best growth and flowers. However, it grows perfectly well in light shade in warmer climates.

It is easy to take cuttings of cat's whiskers in late summer, as it roots easily, and over-winter small plants indoors.

Cat's whiskers is used as a medicinal plant in its native range. Its diuretic effect makes it a treatment for kidney and bladder problems. It is also reported to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and possible anticancer effects."
– James R. Adams, Curator of the National Herb Garden, Promising Plants Presentation, 2005

Plant Source: Singing Springs Nursery, Cedar Grove, NC

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