Botanical profile

Plectranthus tomentosus

Latin name
Plectranthus tomentosus
Common name
Vicks Plant
Type
Tropical aromatic plant
Family
Lamiaceae

Plectranthus tomentosus is a tropical aromatic plant highly valued for its soft, slightly downy, and strongly scented foliage. Its fragrance, reminiscent of menthol, eucalyptus, or Vicks when the leaves are crushed, and its compact, trailing habit make it an excellent plant for pots, window boxes, hanging baskets, and patio containers. Highly decorative, it adds beautiful silver-green texture to arrangements and stands out for its fresh, powerful scent.

Easy to grow during the warm season, Plectranthus tomentosus prefers a bright location, in gentle sun or partial shade, in light, fertile, well-drained soil. It tolerates slight drought better than excess water, especially in pots, where it is important to let the potting mix dry out slightly between waterings. As it is not hardy in our climate, it is usually grown as an annual outdoors or brought indoors before the cold, to a very bright spot.

Both fragrant, decorative, and easy to care for, Plectranthus tomentosus is ideal for gardeners looking for an original aromatic plant to grow near the patio, balcony, or entrance. Its fragrant foliage is primarily appreciated for its sensory and ornamental appeal rather than for culinary use. It is a perfect plant for adding fragrance, texture, and an exotic touch to summer containers and aromatic plant collections.

Care guide

Care level
Easy

Choosing this plant

Main benefit
Aromatic downy foliage with a scent of menthol and eucalyptus
Container, hanging, balcony, terrace, houseplant, herb garden
Container growing
Excellent in containers with good drainage
Seasonal care
Pinch regularly to maintain a compact shape; protect from cold; avoid overwatering, especially indoors.
Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Not hardy
Exposure
Partial shade
Watering
Moderate; allow the soil surface to dry slightly between waterings
Humidity
Low to moderate humidity; prefers well-drained soil
Fertilization
Light fertilization in pots during growth
Soil type
Light, fertile, rather dry, and well-drained soil
Soil pH
Slightly acidic to neutral
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 warm climates
Shape
Bushy, trailing to semi-erect habit
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 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
Thyme, Cuban oregano, Mexican mint, basil
Spacing
30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches)
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.