The unique coleus canina, also known as scaredy cat plant or piss-off plant, offers a great way to add striking color and unusual fragrance to your garden. This easy-to-grow perennial has brilliant red and green variegated foliage that emits a skunk-like odor when touched. If you want to add something different to your plant collection, coleus canina is a fascinating option. But where can you find this uncommon plant? Here are some tips on where to buy coleus canina plants or seeds.
Overview of Coleus Canina
Before discussing where to find it. let’s quickly go over what makes coleus canina special
- Native to Africa
- Features vivid red and green leaves
- Grows up to 18 inches tall and wide
- Perennial in zones 10-11, grown as an annual in cooler areas
- Has a strong scent when brushed against
- Acts as a natural critter repellent
- Easy to grow in containers or gardens
This interesting plant belongs to the mint family Lamiaceae. Its claim to fame is the foul odor it releases from its leaves and stems when disturbed This provides defense against grazing animals. When left alone, the plant has a more pleasant, fruity smell
Where to Buy Coleus Canina Plants
Obtaining coleus canina plants often takes a bit of searching Here are some of the best sources to find plants for sale
Online Shops
- Etsy – Many sellers on Etsy offer coleus canina plants shipped to your door. Focus on highly rated sellers.
- Specialty nurseries – Online stores like Glasshouse Works and Plant Delights Nursery may carry coleus canina.
- Amazon – You may get lucky and find coleus canina plants sold by third-party sellers on Amazon. Carefully vet seller ratings and reviews first.
Local Nurseries
Check with local independent nurseries and garden centers to see if they happen to carry this unique plant. Availability will depend on your region and time of year. Early spring is often the best chance to find coleus canina plants in stock.
When buying plants, carefully inspect them for signs of pests or disease. Only purchase healthy, vigorous plants from reputable sources.
Where to Buy Coleus Canina Seeds
If you can’t find coleus canina plants for sale, buying seeds is another option for obtaining this plant. Here are some top places to source seeds:
- Etsy seed shops – Many Etsy sellers offer fresh coleus canina seeds at reasonable prices.
- Specialty seed companies – Check catalogs and websites of companies like Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds which may carry coleus canina seeds.
- Local nurseries – You might get lucky and find seeds in stock at local garden stores during spring planting season.
For best germination, always opt for newly harvested seeds packaged for the current growing year.
Growing Coleus Canina from Seeds
If you end up buying coleus canina seeds, here are some tips for successfully growing this plant from seed:
- Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost date.
- Use a seed starting mix and keep evenly moist.
- Germination takes 1-3 weeks at 65-75°F.
- Transplant outdoors after danger of frost has passed.
- Space plants 12-18 inches apart in soil enriched with compost.
- Grow in partial sun to light shade.
- Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Pinch back tips to encourage bushy growth.
Adding This Unique Plant to Your Garden
However you obtain it, the wonderfully weird coleus canina makes a fantastic addition to gardens and containers. Just remember to handle it gently to avoid getting a whiff of its defensive odor! With proper care, it will provide unique, vivid foliage and a conversation-starting novelty specimen.
Where to Buy Coleus Canina: Key Takeaways
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Shop online specialty plant nurseries or check with local garden centers.
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Buying seeds can be an alternative if plants are not available.
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Inspect plants carefully before purchasing and buy high-quality seeds.
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Provide coleus canina with rich soil, consistent moisture, and partial sun.
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Handle this plant gently to prevent releasing its signature skunk-like scent.
So for unusual color and fragrance in your garden, seek out the fascinating coleus canina!
Scaredy Cat Coleus Info
Growing scaredy-cat plants may be among the simplest of garden tasks you have. Much like willow branches, scaredy-cat leaves will root in just a few days as soon as they touch the soil.
For propagating a large number of these plants, cut the leaves in half and plant them, cut side down, into fresh potting soil. Keep the soil moist and youll have a large batch of rooted herbs in a few weeks.
Transplant the baby plants in full sun or partial shade, and space them about 2 feet (61 cm.) apart. Another popular way to plant them is in containers, to enable portability. If you have a guest who is sensitive to the smell, or small children who are likely to run over the plants and bruise them, its a good idea to be able to move them to a more secure location.
What is a Scaredy Cat Plant?
What is a scaredy-cat plant? The scaredy-cat plant (Coleus canina) is a growing falsehood. Its neither a member of the Coleus family nor does it have anything to do with dogs or canines. This attractive perennial herb is actually an aromatic member of the Mint family. Theyre native to southern Asia and eastern Africa, and they attract butterflies and bees.
How to STOP Cats Pooping in Your Garden with Coleus Caninus (Scaredy Cat Plant)
FAQ
What is another name for Coleus canina?
Coleus caninus is known as the scaredy cat or scat plant, as its smell is said to deter cats, as well as other mammals including dogs, rabbits, and foxes.
Does Home Depot have coleus plants?
Customers say the coleus plants from Home Depot are vibrant, easy to grow, and make excellent filler plants for gardens and planters. Many appreciate their fast growth and attractive colors, often noting their resilience in various conditions.
What is the difference between coleus and Coleus canina?
Unlike its ornamental coleus cousins, Coleus canina doesn’t unfurl multicolored leaves. Instead, its foliage has a light green hue and a succulent, thickened texture, which hints at the plant’s drought-tolerant nature.
Does Coleus canina come back every year?
Coleus is an annual plant. You can easily grow them from seed. They will die in the basement. If you want the exact same plant, take cuttings.Sep 22, 2023
Does Coleus canina repel cats?
Coleus Canina, also known as Scaredy Cat, helps deter cats and other pests from entering and fouling your garden by emitting an odor that cats find offensive and avoid.
Can cats eat Coleus canina?
At it’s most effective when grown in full sun and when fully established, Coleus canina ‘Scaredy Cat’ is undemanding and surprisingly drought tolerant. Cats, dogs, rabbits, and even foxes hate the pungent scented foliage of this plant! Thankfully this cat deterrent plant can only be smelled by humans when it is touched. Height: 45cm (18″).
Where can I buy a Coleus canina plant?
You can find Coleus Canina plants at your local nursery or home improvement store. Alternatively, consider purchasing one on Etsy or Amazon.
What is Coleus canina?
Coleus canina, also known as Scaredy-Cat plants, Dogbane, and even a ‘piss off plant’ in parts of England, is a tender perennial plant that thrives in USDA zones 9 and 8 outside. It grows well as a houseplant in either an eastern or south-facing window.
Are Coleus a pest-free plant?
Taylor Greenhouses offers an ever-expanding variety of healthy, interesting, pest-free plants. Coleus are beautiful, easy to grow indoor and outdoor plants grown for their colorful leaves. Free shipping on orders over $90.00! Coleus are beautiful, easy to grow indoor and outdoor plants grown for their colorful leaves.
Does Coleus Canina have an odor?
The odor of Coleus Canina becomes stronger the hotter the leaves become, although it is barely noticeable to humans. Coleus Canina is incredibly easy to grow and will thrive on a high degree of neglect because it is a naturally drought tolerant plant. It is most effective when planted in a sunny spot.