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.