Orthosiphon are a member of the Lamiaceae family. They are related to mint and many other medicinal and culinary herbs. This family is characterised by a square stem, volatile oils and decussate leaf arrangements; i.e. opposite pairs of leaves with each pair off set by 90 degrees to the previous pair.

Cat’s Whiskers is a small herbaceous shrub, growing to about 1 metre high with glossy green serrated leaves.

Its floral inflorescence is made of many tubular white or mauve flowers with long stamens resembling cat’s whiskers. These flowers continue to open throughout spring and summer making it an excellent addition to a flowering garden by attracting butterflies and bees. While it is a native plant, the Cat’s Whiskers sits most comfortably in a tropical or sub-tropical cottage garden.

The best shape can be achieved by growing Cat’s Whiskers in full sun. If it is grown in part shade the plant will be more open in structure but the flowers will stand out more. It will flourish in well drained, fertile soil with a moderate amount of compost. Keep the water up in dry periods of summer to prevent the plant from wilting or scorching. Organic matter in the soil will help the plant here.

Propagation of this plant can be from cuttings in any of the warmer months or from seed. Stems from larger plants will set roots if they come into contact with the ground. These can be cut from the parent plant and potted up for replanting.

Maintenance for Cat’s Whiskers is easy. If your soil is not very fertile, a small dose of organic fertiliser in late winter will benefit the plant. Trim off spent flower heads during summer for a tidy shrub and prune the plant back hard at the end of the flowering season to obtain a good shape for next the year.

If you can find a spot in your garden for a plant or two of Cat’s Whiskers, you are sure to enjoy a bright display for many months.