Perennial
Cat Whiskers
Orthosiphon aristatus
Varieties We Carry
RUBYOrthosiphon aristatusWhiteOrthosiphon aristatus
Sizes & Pricing
1 galFrom$6.95
3 galFrom$14.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 11.
LightFull Sun, Part Shade
WaterModerate
Mature size2-4 feet × 2-3 feet
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
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Bloom season.
Bloom season. Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Light
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
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.
Soil & Fertilizer
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.
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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.