Purchase Area Master Gardener Association

(PAMGA)

ORTHOSIPHON aristatus  (O. stamineus)       

Cat's Whiskers

A tender perennial taking its common name from long white stamens protruding from white or pale blue flowers.  Native to tropical and subtropical regions from India to Australia.  Can grow to 5 feet tall and 3 feet wide in frost-free areas; in cold-winter areas, it reaches only half that size and must be treated as an annual.  Purple stems hold deep green, shiny, toothed leaves that are 1-3 inches long.  Upright clusters of many flowers appear continuously in warm weather attract bees, butterflies & hummingbirds.  Requires fertile, well-drained soil that is not allowed to dry out; will not tolerate frost.  Excellent addition to the mixed border.  Grows well in containers.  In Kentucky it must be overwintered indoors.

A few more facts discovered by Shirley Edwards who suggested this "must have from her garden" for the website.  It's a member of the mint family and grows well in the South.  When the bloom opens it resembles a cat's whiskers.  Full sun is recommended but several hours of filtered light with spotty direct sunlight will work.  Blooms on new growth.  Needs regular watering and monthly feedings with a  complete and balanced fertilizer.  Can grow from seed and is easy to propagate by cuttings.  To grow, prepare soil by incorporating 3-4 inches of organic matter worked to a depth of 6-8 inches.  Mix in a pound of slow-release 12-6-6 fertilizer per 100 square feet of bed.  Combine it ferns, cannas or elephant ears for good effect.  Java Tea, used to help pass kidney stones, is made from Cat's Whiskers.

Purchase Area Master Gardener Association, 2705 Olivet Church Road, Paducah, Ky 42001 270/554-9520  FAX 270/554-8283  www.pamga.org