shrub

Bush Basil

Coleus graveolens

The Story

Plant Bio

Coleus graveolens is an evergreen, soft-wooded subshrub native to rocky coastal areas and rainforest edges in eastern Australia. It forms a dense, spreading mound up to four feet tall with sticky, heart-shaped leaves that release a strong aroma of basil, mint, and sage when crushed.

Unlike traditional shade coleus grown strictly for foliage, this species produces long terminal spikes of blue to purple-blue flowers from spring through fall. Its leaves are covered in fine glandular hairs that produce aromatic essential oils used as a culinary herb.

Uses & Benefits:

Offers aromatic foliage with a soft, felted texture and recurring spikes of blue flowers.

Produces aromatic leaves harvested fresh or dried as a spice herb.

Attracts hummingbirds, native bees, and butterflies with nectar-rich flowers.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

48"

Width

60"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Eastern Australia, Lord Howe Island, Marshall Islands

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Fall

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting location in full sun to partial shade with sharply draining soil.
Amend heavy ground soils with organic compost and coarse sand to prevent water stagnation.
Plant container stock at the same depth as the nursery pot and water thoroughly to settle.
Water regularly during initial establishment, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between applications.
Trim shoot tips periodically during spring and summer to encourage dense branching.

Pro Tip

Shear back the stem tips after each flowering flush to maintain a compact habit, but never cut into old leafless wood where latent buds fail to break.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide loose, organic-rich soil with high drainage capacity.
Prune lightly after main flowering flushes to preserve form.
Move potted plants indoors before autumn temperatures drop near freezing.

Don't

Do not allow roots to sit in stagnant water or heavy clay.
Do not prune deep into old woody stems devoid of foliage.
Do not over-fertilize with heavy nitrogen formulations.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Patio container specimenFragrant herb borderCoastal garden accentMixed perennial bedWarm-climate hedge

Companion Plants

Salvia officinalis Pelargonium graveolens Lavandula angustifolia Rosmarinus officinalis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Bush Basil questions

What zones can Bush Basil grow in?

Bush Basil is hardy in USDA Zone 10: in that range it survives winter in the ground. Colder than Zone 10, grow it in a container you can move to shelter for the winter.

Is Bush Basil deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Bush Basil, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Bush Basil bloom?

Bush Basil typically blooms from spring to fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Bush Basil need full sun?

Bush Basil does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Bush Basil drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Bush Basil handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.