Purple Cat's Whiskers

Purple Cat's Whiskers (Orthosiphon aristatus) is a bushy, fast-growing shrub, about 1m tall and wide, that carries soft purple-lilac flower heads with long, curved 'whiskers' through the warmer months. It grows naturally in far north Queensland, India and southern Asia, so it loves warmth and regular rain. Pollinators find it quickly, which makes it a good partner in cottage borders and kitchen gardens.

Why you'll love it

• Whiskered flowers. Soft purple-lilac cones carry long stamens that stick out like whiskers, which is how the plant earned its name.
• Colour after the petals. When the flowers finish, the purple calyces, the papery covering that held the petals, stay decorative.
• Fast and bushy. Dark green leaves clothe a rounded shrub of about 1m by 1m, which fills a border gap in a season or two.
• Friendly to pollinators. It draws nectar lovers and beneficial insects, so it earns its place among vegetables and herbs.
• A natural partner. Planted beside the white form, it makes a matching pair of whiskered flower heads in two colours.

Where it works best

Cottage gardens and mixed borders. Plant 80cm apart so the shrubs meet and form a soft, flowering drift. The lilac flowers pair well with other warm climate perennials.

Kitchen gardens. A few plants among the herbs and vegetables bring pollinators in to do their work.

Large pots. A big container suits it on a warm patio, and in frosty districts the pot can move under cover for winter.

Growing Purple Cat's Whiskers in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun if you have tropical rainfall, otherwise dappled shade or part shade gives the best results. It is a plant for warm, rain-fed gardens, at home in tropical and subtropical districts. Protect it from frost, or grow it as an annual where frosts are regular.

Soil. Moist, well-drained soil of any kind. In sandy ground, work in compost to hold moisture, and keep a layer of mulch over the roots.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly for the first 12 weeks while the plant establishes, then keep watering regularly in dry locations. Feed in early spring with a slow release, all purpose fertiliser.

Pruning. Cut it back in autumn to encourage flowering shoots next season. A light clip at other times keeps a denser, tidier shape.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Purple Cat's Whiskers as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available: the tube shows as sold out when the grower has none, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it is back. Expect a small leafy plant that grows fast in warm weather and flowers once it has some size.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• More Australian native plants
• Plants that bees and butterflies love
• How to create a cottage garden in Australia
• Plants for subtropical climates

Common questions

How big does it get?

About 1m tall and wide, forming a bushy, rounded shrub. Cutting it back in autumn keeps it compact.

Can I grow it in a pot?

Yes, a large pot suits it. Use a quality potting mix, water regularly and move the pot under cover if frost is forecast.

What does it need in a cooler climate?

Warmth and shelter. Plant it after the last frost, protect it through winter, or treat it as an annual that you replace each spring.