Botanical profile

Cuban oregano

Latin name
Coleus amboinicus
Common name
Cuban oregano
Type
Tropical aromatic herb
Family
Lamiaceae

Cuban oregano is a tropical aromatic plant much appreciated for its thick, velvety, and strongly scented foliage, with an intense flavor reminiscent of oregano, thyme, and a slightly peppery note. Unlike traditional oregano, its leaves are fleshier and very decorative, making it an excellent plant for herb pots, window boxes, patio containers, and urban vegetable gardens. Its powerful aroma means that a small amount can be used to flavor sauces, marinades, soups, grilled meats, vegetables, stews, and Creole, Caribbean, or Mediterranean recipes.

Easy to grow during the warm season, Cuban oregano prefers a bright, warm, and well-ventilated location, in gentle sun or light partial shade. It likes light, fertile, and very well-drained soil, as its thick leaves and fleshy stems tolerate slight drought better than excess water. Pot cultivation is ideal, as it allows for better control of watering and bringing the plant indoors before cold temperatures. Regular pruning helps maintain a compact, dense, and productive plant.

Both aromatic, decorative, and very versatile, Cuban oregano is perfect for gardeners looking for an original, fragrant, and easy-to-integrate herb near the kitchen. Its leaves can be used fresh or slightly dried, always in moderation due to their concentrated aroma. It is an ideal plant to add an exotic, gourmet, and very fragrant touch to containers, herb gardens, and homemade recipes.

Care guide

Care level
Easy

Choosing this plant

Main benefit
Thick aromatic foliage with the scent of oregano and thyme
Container, vegetable garden, herbs, balcony, tropical cuisine, herb garden
Container growing
Excellent container growing in well-drained pot
Seasonal care
Pinch regularly to keep a compact shape; harvest leaves as needed; bring indoors before cold weather
Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Not hardy
Exposure
Sun to partial shade
Watering
Moderate; allow the soil surface to dry out slightly between waterings
Humidity
Low to moderate humidity; tolerates short dry periods
Fertilization
Light fertilisation in pots during growth
Soil type
Light, fertile, rather dry and well-drained soil
Soil pH
Neutral to slightly alkaline
Minimum temperature
10°C
Propagation method
Stem cuttings
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Rare in cultivation
Flower color
Pale lavender to mauve
Foliage color
Grayish green
Foliage type
Persistent in hot climates
Shape
Bushy, succulent, and branched habit
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 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
Basil, thyme, oregano, chilies
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

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.