Panadol (Plectranthus caninus)
Regular price $19.95Hardy Medicinal and Ornamental Wonder Herb
Also known as Dogbane, Coleus caninus, and Scaredy Cat Plant, the Panadol Plant (Plectranthus caninus) is a hardy, multipurpose herb treasured for its medicinal, ornamental, and pest-repelling qualities. Native to East Africa and Southern Asia, this member of the mint family (Lamiaceae) is as functional as it is beautiful—thriving in gardens, containers, and food forests alike.
Traditionally used in herbal medicine, Panadol contains botanical compounds believed to block pain receptors, offering natural relief for headaches, muscle aches, joint pain, and minor ailments like fevers and digestive issues. The leaves are often brewed into teas or applied as poultices for their soothing properties, making Panadol a safe, effective alternative to conventional pain relievers.
Beyond its medicinal uses, Panadol is a popular natural pest repellent. Its distinct, aromatic foliage deters mosquitoes, cats, dogs, and even rabbits, making it a practical companion plant for vegetable gardens and borders. Despite its protective powers, it’s a pollinator-friendly herb, with delicate lavender-purple flowers that attract beneficial insects.
Panadol is a low-growing, bushy perennial, reaching 12-18 inches tall, and forms a dense, attractive ground cover with its soft, fuzzy greenish-gray leaves. Its hardiness, drought tolerance, and ornamental appeal make it an easy-care addition to any garden.
At Sow Exotic, our Panadol plants come in 4" plantable biodegradable coconut coir pots, ready to plant with zero waste.
Quick Facts: Panadol (Plectranthus caninus)
| Scientific Name | Plectranthus caninus (Syn: Coleus caninus) |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Panadol, Dogbane, Scaredy Cat Plant, Coleus caninus |
| Plant Type | Perennial Herbaceous Plant (Tender Perennial) |
| Life Cycle | Perennial in Zones 9-11, Annual elsewhere |
| Food Forest Layer | Groundcover / Herb Layer |
| Mature Size | 1-2 ft tall, 2-3 ft spread |
| Light | Full Sun to Partial Shade |
| Water Needs | Low to Moderate; drought-tolerant once established |
| Flowering Season | Summer to Fall |
| Time to Harvest | Foliage can be harvested anytime after establishment |
| Self-Fertile | Not applicable (grown for foliage/flowers) |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Native Region | East Africa (Ethiopia, Uganda) |
| Florida Native | No |
| Zones | USDA Zones 9-11 (Annual in colder zones) |
| Propagation | Cuttings, Division |
| Pot Size | 1-Gallon Plantable Biodegradable Coconut Coir Pot |
| Seasonal Characteristics | Evergreen in warm climates; frost-tender |
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