I did a search on "Coleus canina" and not only is the name consistently
misspelled but most of the information given is false and fantasy. The plant
is a well documented widespread weedy species not a hybrid created in
Germany.

It is just the latest plant hoax being perpetrated by some unscrupulous
European dealers. The sad thing is that some American nurseries have fallen
for all the hype hook, line and sinker. They show themselves to be simply
naive and too lazy to do a little homework of their own. Apparently some
garden writers are no better. The shame of it all.


Vcoerulea wrote in message
...

"Cereoid+10" wrote in message
.. .
Coleus caninus (Roth) Vatke (note spelling) is correctly named
Plectranthus
caninus Roth.It is a weedy annual species widespread in eastern &
southern
Africa and India. There is nothing at all new about the plant and it is
no
more a dog repellent than any other foul smelling plant. The allied
perennial Plectranthus neochilus Schlechter would be a better choice
because
the foliage smells like a skunk!!!

Marigolds would work just as well.




Dennis G. wrote in message
...
Below is a quote from a garden forum on the web. I've lost the URL
already
!

quote
I just read today in "garden west" magazine that there's a new plant
developed
in Germany that's a natural dog repellent. It's called "**** Off"
plant,
coleus
canina. Developed by Dieter Stegmeier in Germany. I'm not sure who
would
carry
it in the States. /end quote

Has anyone information on the truth of the claims ?

Dennis


Cereoid: I agree with your assessment and commend your restraint.