Cat Whiskers
Orthosiphon aristatus
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Mar 11, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
About Cat Whiskers
Cat whiskers (Orthosiphon aristatus) is a tropical perennial native to Southeast Asia and Australia, bearing upright spikes of white to pale lavender flowers with dramatically long, thread-like stamens that give the plant its common name. The foliage has a pleasant minty-herbal fragrance. Popular as an ornamental perennial and also used in traditional herbal medicine. Starting at $6.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Summer, Fall
- Flower Color
- White, Purple
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Well-drained
Best planting months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Bloom season.
Bloom season. Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Plant in full sun for best flowering in NE Florida; tolerates part shade with several hours of direct sun daily. Full sun drives the heaviest bloom production.
Water regularly to keep soil moist but well-drained; established plants tolerate brief dry spells. In NE Florida's rainy season, ensure drainage is adequate to prevent root rot.
Grows in average, well-drained sandy or loamy soil amended with organic matter. Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer (12-6-6) during the growing season; prune after bloom flushes to encourage continuous flowering.
Similar needs
Blue Mistflower
Shares 6 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Purple Coneflower
Shares 6 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Foxglove
Shares 6 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, loam, salt tolerance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Caladium
Shares 5 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, and zone 9a hardiness.
Camellia
Shares 6 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Cuphea
Shares 6 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
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Common questions
Is Cat Whiskers a good plant for St. Augustine?
Cat Whiskers is a perennial for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, with low salt tolerance, reaching 2-4 feet × 2-3 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.