Plectranthus caninus (Scat)

Botanical name

Plectranthus caninus

Other names

Scat, Scaredy cat, Scaredy plant, Cat repellant plant, Dogs be gone coleus, Coleus canina, Piss-off plant, Coleus spicatus, Dogbane

Genus

Plectranthus Plectranthus

Species

P. caninus - P. caninus is a tender, mat-forming, stem-rooting, evergreen perennial, typically grown as an annual, with whorled, unpleasantly aromatic, narrowly ovate to spoon-shaped, sparsely-toothed, wrinkled, light green leaves and upright stems bearing racemes of whorled, tubular, violet-blue flowers in summer.

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Mat Forming, Erect flower stem

Toxicity

All parts are poisonous if ingested. Handling plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction. Pollen may cause allergic reaction.

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Colour

Flower

Violet in Spring; Violet in Summer

Foliage

Grey-green in All seasons

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How to care

Watch out for

Pests

Generally pest-free.

Diseases

Generally disease-free.

General care

Pruning

Pinch out growing tips to create a bushier, more compact habit.

Propagation

Stem tip cuttings root easily.

Propagation methods

Seed, Stem tip cuttings

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Plectranthus caninus (Scat) will reach a height of 0.45m and a spread of 0.9m after 1 year.

Suggested uses

Beds and borders, City, Coastal, Containers, Cottage/Informal, Greenhouse, Underplanting

Cultivation

Plant outdoors after danger of frost has passed in well-drained soil in full sun. Treat as an annual or overwinter indoors. Reported to repel cats and rabbits in the garden.

Soil type

Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Indoor unheated (H2), Tender in frost (H3)

USDA zones

Zone 12, Zone 11, Zone 10, Zone 9

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Plectranthus caninus (Scat)

Common pest name

tomato thrips

Scientific pest name

Ceratothripoides brunneus

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Thrips present in Africa; the Caribbean and parts of Asia; frequently intercepted in the UK. Can cause significant damage to tomatoes and other crops in countries where it is present. Europe wide PRA will consider its potential to establish and cause damage.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/