African Blue Basil, Ocimum kilimandscharicum × basilicum
Ocimum ‘African Blue’, commonly known as African Blue Basil, is a rare, aromatic hybrid basil prized for its ornamental beauty and bold, complex flavor. A cross between Ocimum kilimandscharicum (Camphor Basil) and Ocimum basilicum ‘Dark Opal’, it is sterile, meaning it doesn’t set seed. As a result, it blooms profusely over a long season, drawing in bees and other pollinators while adding color and fragrance to the garden.
Basil belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae, which also includes notable herbs such as rosemary, mint, sage, oregano, and thyme.
African Blue Basil does not occur naturally in the wild—it is a manmade hybrid first discovered in Ohio in the early 1980s. Its parent plants are native to East Africa and Southeast Asia.
This plant is a short-lived perennial in warm climates and is often grown as an annual elsewhere. African Blue Basil forms a bushy, upright plant with purple-green stems and colorful foliage that transitions from deep purple in youth to green as it matures.
African Blue Basil can grow up to 12-36 inches tall (30-90 cm) and wide, making it one of the taller basil cultivars.
It is a sterile perennial, often grown as an annual in cooler climates. Without the need to set seed, it flowers continuously throughout the warm season.
From summer into fall, African Blue Basil produces long, showy spikes of lavender-pink flowers along dark purple stems. The fragrant blooms are particularly attractive to bees and butterflies.
Because it is sterile, African Blue Basil does not produce viable seeds. This trait encourages long-lasting blooms and minimizes unwanted self-seeding.
The smooth, broad leaves start deep purple when young and turn green with purple veining as they mature. The foliage is fragrant and flavorful, with an earthy, camphor-like aroma and notes of clove, musk, and menthol. The underside of the leaves is often speckled with purple.
Heat tolerant, African Blue Basil is perennial in USDA zones 10–11 but is typically grown as an annual in colder regions. It is sensitive to frost and prefers warm conditions for optimal growth.
African Blue Basil is a pollinator magnet. Its sterile blooms stay open longer, offering a consistent nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
Once established, African Blue Basil can handle short periods of dryness, but regular watering helps maintain foliage quality and flavor.
Thanks to its strong scent and essential oils, African Blue Basil is generally unappealing to deer and rabbits.
According to the ASPCA, basil, including African Blue Basil, is non-toxic to cats and dogs.
African Blue Basil is sterile and does not produce seed, eliminating concerns about invasiveness or unwanted reseeding.
Combining ornamental splendor with rich culinary potential, African Blue Basil is a garden standout. Its striking purple-green foliage, camphor-scented blooms, and pollinator-attracting flowers make it a vibrant, multi-purpose herb. Although it cannot be grown from seed, it more than makes up for it with continuous blooming and flavor-packed leaves.
Hardiness |
3 - 11 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Herbs, Perennials |
Plant Family | Lamiaceae |
Genus | Ocimum |
Common names | Basil |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
Spread | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
Spacing | 12" - 36" (30cm - 90cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden, Informal and Cottage |
Hardiness |
3 - 11 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Herbs, Perennials |
Plant Family | Lamiaceae |
Genus | Ocimum |
Common names | Basil |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
Spread | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
Spacing | 12" - 36" (30cm - 90cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden, Informal and Cottage |
How many Ocimum ‘African Blue’ (African Blue Basil) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Ocimum ‘African Blue’ (African Blue Basil) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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