Rotstuinsalie
Coleus neochilus is a hardy, aromatic, succulent perennial forming a dense, low groundcover 20-50 cm high and up to 60 cm wide.
The leaves are succulent, grey-green, obovate, finely hairy, and sticky to the touch with crenate margins.
Deep blue to purple flower spikes are produced from spring to autumn.
The plant is drought-resistant, thrives in full sun or semi-shade, and is well adapted to dry, rocky, or sandy sites. Tolerates mild frost.
Flowers are visited by carpenter bees, amegilla and other bees, long-tongued flies, and other flying insects.
It provides groundcover and stabilizes soil, supporting pollinator and invertebrate diversity.
Deep blue to purple flower spikes from spring to autumn.
Pollinated by long-tongued bees and flies.
Seeds are small, ovoid nutlets.
Indirectly supports insectivorous birds by attracting pollinators and other insects.
Caterpillars fed to nestlings and eaten by a range of insectivores.
Sow in spring or early summer. Seeds germinate readily.
Easily propagated from softwood cuttings. Roots readily in situ (will root if cuttings are planted directly into the soil during warm, wet periods).
The plant’s dense, aromatic foliage is believed to repel snakes and insects, and it is used as an air purifier.
The leaves are used in herbal teas and traditional remedies.
Useful for groundcover, erosion control, and supporting pollinator diversity in restoration projects.
