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RE: Orthosiphon labiatus

Sue Templeton,
Regarding your inquiry on Orthosiphon labiatus
I believe that we are one of the nurseries responsible for introducing 
Orthosiphon labiatus into the California nursery trade. I believe that we 
received our seed from Kirstenbosch in 1987 or 1988 when they listed this 
species in their members catalog. It has performed well for us, but as you 
say, a bit big for an alpine garden - our plants in the ground are nearly 4 
feet tall. I include two references to this plant as follows:

>From Wild Flowers of Southern Africa by Sima Eliovson
Orthosiphon labiatus - Shell Bush
This evergreen bushy perennial belongs to the Salvia Family and reaches a 
height of about 3 feet and a diameter of 4 feet.  It has a long flowering 
period throughout summer, especially from mid summer until autumn.  It has 6 
inch, delicate spires of flowers at the tips of the branches which completely 
cover the bush in a mist of pinkish-mauve when in full bloom.  The leaves of 
this plant are almost heart shaped, with a soft hairy texture and scalloped 
edges.  They have a minty perfume when handled.  This plant grows very easily 
in the garden.  It will grow in ordinary garden soil and needs plenty of 
moisture in the summer.  Plant in full sun to light shade.  Frost tolerant.  
Cut plants back in winter

>From Transvaal Wild Flowers by Gerrit Germshuizen
Orthosiphon labiatus
derivation: Orthosiphon (Greek) = with a straight tube labiatus (Latin) = 
lipped
A much branched, slender, softly hairy, aromatic shrub.  Leaves simple, 
long-stalked, ovate or almost circular in outline, in whorls, the margins 
bluntly toothed.  Inflorescence terminal, with 1-2 widely spaced flowers in 
axillary cymes.  Flowers tubular, pale mauve.  Flowers December-January (S. 
Hemisphere) 

Distribution:  A common species occurring amond rocks in the eastern and 
northern Transvaal, Swaziland and Natal. 

Hope this helps.

Randy Baldwin
randyfrazierb@msn.com
http://www.smgrowers.com
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