African Blue Basil

  • Common Name: African Blue Basil
  • Botanical Name: Ocimum kilimandscharicum × basilicum ‘Dark Opal’
  • Family Name: Mint family
  • Type: Perennial 
  • Zone Hardiness: 9–11
  • Height: 24–36in
  • Width: 18–24in
  • Blooms: Lavender to purple flower spikes
  • Bloom Time: May through October 
  • Sun: Full sun 
  • Leaves: Aromatic, green with purple veins; edible with a mild, spicy clove scent
  • Maintenance: Low, for beginners. Occasional pruning 
  • Tolerates: Heat, drought, poor soil
  • Attracts: Bees, butterflies, other pollinators
  • Texas Superstar: No
  • Texas Native: No
  • Invasive: No