Japanese name: オキムム ラビアツム Scientific name:Ocimum labiatum
[Overview]
A perennial or semi-evergreen shrub about 150 cm tall.
The stems are ridged and branch freely.
The stems and leaves are densely covered with fine hairs.
The leaves are simple and opposite, ovate with a pointed tip.
The leaf margins are toothed.
The leaves are aromatic.
A raceme is produced at the stem tip.
The flowers are pale purple to pink and lipped, with a strongly reflexed corolla.
The fruit is a schizocarp.
[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed or by cuttings.
It prefers a sunny site with soil that is both well drained and moisture-retentive.
Take care not to let it dry out; for potted plants, water thoroughly when the soil surface dries, and for plants in the ground, rainfall is sufficient unless summer brings a long sunny spell and the soil dries out.
In spring and autumn, apply slow-release fertilizer placed on the soil.
There are no particular pests or diseases.
