Groovy Patchouli

March 26th, 2009

If you were around in the sixties, you probably remember the patchouli craze. Patchouli incense was considered totally groovy. Sitting around someone’s basement, listening or jamming to folk, rock or psychedelic music, there was always a stick of patchouli incense burning to add to the illusion of being one of the “cool kids”.

 

Here we are a couple (?) of years later and I still love the scent of patchouli. So much so, that I will go out of my way to find patchouli incense, candles and oils (not so easy these days). I have grown patchouli. It’s not a difficult plant to grow (except in this house, which sounds the death toll for every exotic plant I bring into it).  But I have grown it successfully indoors before. 

 

When planted in a container, Patchouli loves vacationing outdoors for the summer.

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)

 

Tender Perennial

 

Hardy in Zone 11

 

Full to part sun (loves the heat)

 

Rich, well drained soil

 

Tiny white flowers bloom in late summer/early fall

 

Can be grown well in pots if fertilized regularly

 

Withstands heavy pruning

 

Propagate by seed or cuttings

 

Natural insect repellent

 

Disease tolerant

 

Use dried leaves as a fixative for potpourris

 

 Oils used in perfumery and aromatherapy

Patchouli is not  commonly offered at most garden centres or greenhouses. You’ll have better luck finding it at your local herb farm, or it can be ordered from Richter’s Herbs.

Tags: ,
Posted in Container Gardens, Herbs | Comments (0)

Comments are closed.