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Lobster Flower
Coleus neochilus
SA tree number
English: Lobster Flower, Fly Bush, Smelly Coleus, Blue Coleus, Smelly Plectranthus
Afrikaans: Rotstuinsalie, Vliegbos
Xhosa: Iboza
Zulu: Ibuzana
Historical botanical names: Plectranthus neochilus
Synonyms: Coleus carnosus, Coleus neochilus, Coleus pentheri, Coleus schinzii
Coleus neochilus, often called Lobster Flower or Smelly Plectranthus (although it is no longer classified as a Plectranthus), is an indigenous South African, fast-growing, evergreen, perennial groundcover or sprawling subshrub. It's known for its aromatic, fleshy leaves and attractive spikes of blue-purple flowers, making it a popular and drought-tolerant addition to gardens.
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Distinguishing features:
Aromatic, fleshy leaves with slightly toothed margins.
Trailing or sprawling growth habit, forming a dense groundcover.
Spikes of bright blue-purple flowers arranged in dense whorls from September to April.
The whole plant has a strong, pungent aroma when crushed.
Overall appearance:
Decumbent to erect, much‑branched, aromatic perennial succulent forming bushy clumps 20–50 cm tall and up to 80 cm wide.
Height:
Typically grows 20 cm to 50 cm high.
Width:
Can spread up to 80 cm or more.
Leaves:
Leaves are evergreen, fleshy, and aromatic when crushed.
They are opposite, broadly ovate, 30 mm to 50 mm long and 20 mm to 30 mm wide.
Margins have with 5–6 pairs of crenate (rounded) teeth.
The leaves are sessile or have very short stalks (petioles).
Both surfaces are covered in glands and short, soft hairs (pubescent).
The colour is medium green.
Flowers:
Deep blue to purple flower spikes (racemes) 60–150 mm long.
The flower bracts are greenish‑cream to purplish with dark purple tips, forming distinct square-shaped clusters atop the stems.
Fflowers are in 6‑flowered verticils, light blue to blue‑purple.
Corolla tube 12–20 mm, upper lip ~2 mm, lower lip boat-shaped up to 11 mm long.
Flowering season:
September to April (spring to autumn in South Africa), peak in autumn.
Fruits:
Dark brown, ovoid nutlet (~1 mm).
Stems:
Stems are fleshy and often sprawl along the ground, rooting at the nodes where they touch the soil, allowing the plant to spread. They are covered in short hairs and glands.
Roots:
Fibrous root system. It roots easily from stems touching the ground.
Soil type:
Prefers sandy to loamy, well‑drained soils.
Aspect:
Thrives in full sun to light or morning/afternoon shade; best flowering in sunny positions.
Uses:
Horticultural: Highly valued as an ornamental groundcover, filler plant, or for rockeries, containers, and hanging baskets due to its attractive flowers, aromatic foliage, and drought tolerance. It is particularly effective for mass planting.
Repellent: The strong aroma has led to its common name "Fly Bush", suggesting it may act as an insect repellent. It is sometimes planted around outdoor living areas for this purpose. It is also believed to repel snakes due to its strong aroma.
Traditional medicine: Used traditionally for various ailments, including stomach complaints, fever, and colds. Leaves are often rubbed on the body as an insect repellent.
Ecology:
Pollinators: The brightly coloured flowers attract catpenter bees, bees, butterflies, and other insect pollinators.
Habitat: Provides low-growing cover, potentially offering shelter for small ground-dwelling creatures.
Resilience: Its succulent nature and ability to root from stems make it very resilient and able to establish in dry, exposed conditions.
Distribution and habitat:
Indigenous to South Africa, Coleus neochilus is naturally found in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal Provinces. It typically grows in dry, rocky areas, often on forest margins, in scrub, or open woodlands, at lower altitudes.
Derivation of name:
The genus name Coleus comes from the Greek word koleos, meaning 'sheath', referring to the way the stamens are enclosed by the fused petals.
The species name neochilus is derived from Greek: 'neos' meaning 'new' and 'cheilos' meaning 'lip', referring to the distinct lower lip of the flower.
Its former genus name, Plectranthus, comes from the Greek words plektron meaning 'spur' and anthos meaning 'flower', referring to the spur found at the base of the flower tube in some species.
"Lobster Flower" likely refers to the shape or colour of the flower spikes. "Fly Bush" or "Vliegbos" (Afrikaans) refer to its potential insect-repelling properties.
Historical aspects:
This species was first named Plectranthus neochilus by Schlechter in 1896. It was transferred to the genus Coleus by Codd in 1961, and later returned to Plectranthus in 1985. However, molecular studies by Paton et al. revealed that the traditional definition of Plectranthus does not represent a single evolutionary lineage. Instead, it includes a distinct group—the 'coleus clade'—which contains the type species of the former genus Coleus. As a result, the genus Coleus was reinstated in 2019, and this species was formally returned to Coleus by Paton et al. in the same year.
Interesting facts:
This plant is a bit of a chameleon in the plant world – it used to be called Plectranthus neochilus, but now it's Coleus neochilus! All thanks to new scientific detective work.
Ever wonder why it's called "Fly Bush"? Locals believe its strong smell helps keep flies away, making it a natural insect repellent for your garden!
Despite its fancy scientific name, it's super easy to grow and loves soaking up the sun, making it a gardener's best friend, especially if you forget to water sometimes!
Growing tips:
Coleus neochilus is incredibly easy to grow and very low-maintenance, making it perfect for novice gardeners.
Plant in a well-drained spot in full sun to partial shade. It tolerates a wide range of soil types, but heavy, waterlogged soils should be avoided.
It is highly drought-tolerant once established. Water regularly during dry spells, but allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
It can be pruned to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Deadheading spent flower spikes can promote more blooms.
Propagates very easily from stem cuttings. Simply break off a piece, stick it in moist soil, and it will root quickly.
This plant is a fantastic alternative for:
Common name
Scientific Name
Plant type:
Plant type
Plant family:
Lamiaceae (Latin name: open mouth (the flowers)) - Order: Lamiales