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Ocimum ‘African Blue’ (African Blue Basil)

African Blue Basil, Ocimum kilimandscharicum × basilicum

Ocimum 'African Blue', African Blue Basil, Ocimum kilimandscharicum × basilicum
Ocimum 'African Blue', African Blue Basil, Ocimum kilimandscharicum × basilicum

Prized for its showy leaves and eye-catching flowers, which easily attract pollinators, Ocimum ‘African Blue’ (African Blue Basil) is an upright, short-lived perennial with broad, smooth, dark green leaves, flushed purple when young. The leaves are crisp, with an earthy flavor, with notes of menthol, musk, and cloves. In summer, attractive spikes of purple-pink flowers are borne on purple stems. When in bloom, African Blue basil has a pungent, camphor-like aroma. African blue basil is a sterile hybrid, resulting from a cross between Ocimum kilimandscharicum, a camphor basil native to East Africa, and a cultivar of Ocimum basilicum, ‘Dark Opal’. Since the plant is sterile and does not produce seeds, it stays in bloom for a longer season, attracting pollinators and creating a pleasing floral display in the garden. Primarily grown as an ornamental, African Blue Basil is also edible: all parts of the plant (stems, flowers, and leaves) are incorporated by home chefs into a wide range of culinary applications.

  • Grows up to 24-36 in. tall and wide (60-90 cm).
  • Performs best in light, well-drained, fertile soil in a sheltered position in full sun. Water freely in summer. Some partial shade is tolerated in the afternoons in hot climates.
  • Heat tolerant, African Blue Basil is a perennial in zone 10 and higher but can be grown as an annual in cooler climates with warm summers.
  • African blue basil grows extremely well both indoors and outdoors. In the landscape, plant it in a container, herb garden, or pollinator garden.
  • Cut back after flowering.
  • Keep an eye out for leafhoppers, aphids, slugs, snails, and powdery mildews.
  • Since African Blue Basil does not produce seed, no need to pinch out its flower heads.
  • Propagate by softwood cuttings.

Requirements

Hardiness 10 - 11
Plant Type Herbs, Perennials
Plant Family Lamiaceae
Genus Ocimum
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 24" - 36"
(60cm - 90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Ocimum basilicum lettuce leaf, Lettuce Leaf Basil, Ocimum basilicum 'Lettuce Leaved', Large Leaf Basil, Big Basil Leaves, Large Basil Leaves
Ocimum basilicum 'Lemon', Lemon Basil, Lemon Basil, Ocimum basilicum var. citriodorum, Ocimum × citriodorum
Ocimum basilicum 'Lime', Lime Basil, Ocimum × africanum 'Lime',
Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora, Thai Basil, Anise Basil, Licorice Basil, Liquorice Basil
Ocimum basilicum var. minimum 'Greek', Greek Basil, Ocimum minimum, Ocimum basilicum 'Bush', Ocimum basilicum var. minimum
Ocimum basilicum 'Everleaf Emerald Towers', Everleaf Emerald Towers Basil, Sweet Basil

Recommended Companion Plants

Allium senescens, Ornamental Onion, German Garlic, Mountain Garlic, Pink Flowers, Lavender Flowers
Helichrysum Italicum, Curry Plant, Golden Eternal Flower, Everlasting, Strawflower, Immortelle, Licorice Plant, silver foliage perennial, Drought resistant plant, Mediterranean Plants, Yellow Flowers
Rheum x hybridum 'Canada Red', Rhubarb 'Canada Red', Garden Rhubarb, Edible Rhubard, Pie Rhubarb
Nasturtium, Tropaeolum, Nasturtiums, Common Nasturtium, Indian Cress, Garden Nasturtium, Orange Flowers, Red Flowers, Yellow Flowers, Annuals, Annual plant, deer resistant flowers
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 10 - 11
Plant Type Herbs, Perennials
Plant Family Lamiaceae
Genus Ocimum
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 24" - 36"
(60cm - 90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Learn Now
Guides with
Ocimum
Not sure which Ocimum to pick?
Compare Now

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