Growing Mother Of Herbs - Five Spice

I’ve just bought a Mother of Herbs plant, Coleus Amboinicus.

It was just sitting in the nursery, looking different (almost like a Pelargonium) and smelling so sweet.

Mother of Herbs, Coleus Amboinicus is a prolific spreading plant with large soft fleshy aromatic leaves. Used to flavour soups, salads, casseroles and many other dishes. It smells slightly like oragano.

It is said that when made into a tea (chop up a leaf and put in boiling water) it can be used to releave the symptoms of bronchitis, asthma, coughs, viral conditions, to relieve indigestion and stomach cramps, convulsions, and as a liver tonic.

It is also said that the tea will help you sleep and is a cure for insomnia.

This plant has many names: Queen of Herbs, Five in One Herb, Five Seasons Herb, Allherb, Country Borage, Indian Borage, Five Spice Herb, Chinese Three in One, Broad Leafed Thyme, Spanish Thyme, Spanish Sage, Puerto Rican Oregano.

The Five Spice herb is relatively hardy and will grow in most conditions. It does not like frost or cooler climates, but can be potted and grown in sheltered areas or indoors in the cooler parts of the year.

The directions on the tag say to plant in full sun or semi shade, water well, prune often and it’s an ideal hanging basket plant.

Propegation is by cuttings or root division. It sprawls, so prune regularly.