Lobster Bush
Coleus neochilus
Lobster Bush
Coleus neochilus
Coleus neochilus, also known as lobster bush, fly bush, or mosquito bush, is a fast-growing, aromatic perennial often used as a ground cover in warm climates. It is well known for its strong scent, which many people describe as skunky or cannabis-like, and for its ability to spread quickly and form dense, bushy clumps.
The plant has soft, succulent, grey-green leaves that are oval in shape with lightly scalloped edges and fine hairs on the surface. It usually stays low to the ground, growing about 45–60 cm tall, but can spread widely in a short time. Twice a year, usually in late summer and again in late winter, it produces upright spikes of small purple-blue flowers that rise above the foliage.
Originally native to dry and open regions of southern Africa, Coleus neochilus thrives in sunny to lightly shaded areas and copes well with heat, drought, and poor soils, as long as drainage is good. It responds well to pruning after flowering, which helps keep it compact and encourages fresh growth. The stems root very easily, making it simple to propagate from cuttings, and the plant is generally trouble-free with few pest issues.
Because of its strong fragrance, lobster bush is widely believed to help repel mosquitoes, flies, snakes, and other garden pests, making it a popular companion plant in vegetable gardens and around homes. It is also sometimes grown simply for its scent and hardy nature, especially in difficult or neglected areas of the landscape.
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Coleus
Species: C. neochilus
Binomial name: Coleus neochilus
Coleus neochilus
Coleus neochilus, also known as lobster bush, fly bush, or mosquito bush, is a fast-growing, aromatic perennial often used as a ground cover in warm climates. It is well known for its strong scent, which many people describe as skunky or cannabis-like, and for its ability to spread quickly and form dense, bushy clumps.
The plant has soft, succulent, grey-green leaves that are oval in shape with lightly scalloped edges and fine hairs on the surface. It usually stays low to the ground, growing about 45–60 cm tall, but can spread widely in a short time. Twice a year, usually in late summer and again in late winter, it produces upright spikes of small purple-blue flowers that rise above the foliage.
Originally native to dry and open regions of southern Africa, Coleus neochilus thrives in sunny to lightly shaded areas and copes well with heat, drought, and poor soils, as long as drainage is good. It responds well to pruning after flowering, which helps keep it compact and encourages fresh growth. The stems root very easily, making it simple to propagate from cuttings, and the plant is generally trouble-free with few pest issues.
Because of its strong fragrance, lobster bush is widely believed to help repel mosquitoes, flies, snakes, and other garden pests, making it a popular companion plant in vegetable gardens and around homes. It is also sometimes grown simply for its scent and hardy nature, especially in difficult or neglected areas of the landscape.
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Coleus
Species: C. neochilus
Binomial name: Coleus neochilus
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