Botanical profile

Basil 'Magic Mountain'

Latin name
Ocimum kilimandscharicum
Common name
Basil 'Magic Mountain'
Type
Annual aromatic herb
Family
Lamiaceae

‘Magic Mountain’ basil is a decorative and aromatic variety highly valued for its dark green foliage with purple hues, colored stems, and abundant purple flowers. More ornamental than many classic basil varieties, it makes a spectacular statement in pots, herb planters, urban vegetable gardens, and edible flowerbeds. Its fragrance is reminiscent of traditional basil, with a slightly spicy note, making it an interesting plant for both cooking and landscaping.

Easy to grow, ‘Magic Mountain’ basil prefers a warm, sunny location in fertile, light, well-drained soil. It performs very well in containers, on a patio, or near the kitchen, where its foliage can be harvested as needed to flavor sauces, salads, tomato dishes, pasta, and summer recipes. Regular watering, without overwatering, helps maintain vigorous growth and flavorful foliage throughout the season.

Unlike many basil varieties that quickly lose their appeal after flowering, ‘Magic Mountain’ remains decorative longer thanks to its purple flower spikes and dense habit. Its flowers attract bees and pollinators, making it an excellent choice for productive and biodiverse gardens. This basil is ideal for adding color, fragrance, an edible touch, and a remarkable ornamental effect to outdoor spaces.

Care guide

Care level
Easy

Choosing this plant

Main benefit
Decorative purple blossoms and edible aromatic foliage
Vegetable garden, herbs, balcony, container, pollinator garden
Container growing
Excellent pot culture in a well-drained container
Seasonal care
Pinch young shoots regularly to make the plant bushier; harvest leaves as needed and protect from cold
Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Not hardy
Exposure
Sun
Watering
Regular; keep the soil slightly moist without waterlogging it
Humidity
Average humidity; prefers warm, well-drained soil
Fertilization
Light and regular fertilizing when potted; avoid excess nitrogen
Soil type
Fertile, light, warm, and well-drained soil
Soil pH
Slightly acidic to neutral
Minimum temperature
10°C
Propagation method
Cuttings or seeds
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Summer to autumn harvest and bloom
Flower color
Purplish-mauve
Foliage color
Dark green tinted with purple
Foliage type
Hardy in hot climates
Shape
Bushy upright habit
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
60 to 90 cm (24 to 36 inches)
Width
45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 inches)
Growth rate
Rapid growth
Vegetable garden and yield

Companion planting, spacing and harvest

Companion plants
Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, parsley
Spacing
30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches)
Harvest period
Leaves from spring to autumn
Not recommended for pets
Not recommended for pets

Pets

Butterflies
Plants that attract butterflies

Butterflies

Hummingbirds
Flowers that attract hummingbirds

Hummingbirds

Repellent
Helps repel certain pests

Repellent

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.