Indian borage
Coleus barbatus · Family Lamiaceae
Also known as: coleus barbatus, boldo, forskohlii
- Light
- Bright indirect to full sun
- Watering
- Every 3 days
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Pet-safe
- No, keep it away from cats and dogs
Care
Where to put it
A bright windowsill or a sunny patio in summer.
Light
Bright light with some direct sun. Bring indoors before frost.
Watering
Water when the top of the compost is dry; it doesn't like waterlogging.
About the plant
Indian borage, known in Brazil as boldo, has velvety, bitter leaves traditionally used in teas for digestion. It is a fast-growing shrub, easy to propagate from cuttings. In a pot it reaches about 1 metre.
Origin
Native to East Africa, the Arabian Peninsula and India, in dry, open areas.
What it likes
- Lots of light, with sun
- Moist, free-draining compost
- Regular pruning
What it dislikes
- Waterlogging
- Severe cold
- Deep shade
Did you know?
It is not Chilean boldo, a tree from another family; the two only share a common name.
