About This Plant
Perennial Basil ‘Dark Opal’ is a striking basil hybrid producing deep purple leaves with a rich, aromatic flavour that differs from the more familiar sweet basil. Its unique colour and flavour make it an excellent addition to herb gardens, mixed borders, and pollinator-friendly landscapes.
This robust perennial is very attractive to bees and other pollinators, a must for every beekeeper! In our Tea Gardens nursery, it’s sometimes available depending on seasonal stock.
How to Grow Perennial Basil “Dark Opal” (Ocimum kilimandscharicum × basilicum)
Climate & Frost Tolerance
Dark Opal Basil thrives in warm temperate and subtropical climates, typical of many Australian gardens.
- Prefers frost-free or lightly frosted areas
- Can be grown as an annual in cooler climates
- Full sun exposure encourages the best leaf colour and flavour
Size
- Height: 50–80 cm
- Width: 60-80 cm, prune to keep it smaller
- Forms a bushy clump with multiple stems
Growth Habit
- Perennial, aromatic herb
- Compact but bushy growth habit
- Deep purple foliage throughout the season
Soil
- Prefers well-drained, fertile soil
- Loamy or sandy soils work best
- Benefits from organic matter and compost
Drainage
- Well-drained soil is essential
- Does not tolerate waterlogging
Sun or Shade
- Full sun promotes dark leaf colour and strong flavour
- Partial shade tolerated in hotter regions
Water Requirements
- Moderate watering while establishing
- Once established, fairly drought-tolerant
- Mulching helps maintain soil moisture
Pruning & Harvesting
- Regular leaf harvesting encourages bushy growth
- Pinch out flower buds to prolong leaf production
- Occasional light pruning maintains shape and health
Uses of Dark Opal Basil
Edible & Culinary Uses
Leaves have a unique flavour, different from common sweet basil, with slightly spicier and aromatic notes.
- Used fresh in salads and garnishes
- Flavourful addition to pesto, sauces, and herb blends
- Distinct taste offers variety in culinary herb gardens
Pollinator & Garden Benefits
- Highly attractive to bees and other pollinators
- Excellent for pollinator-friendly or productive gardens
- Can be planted in herb borders, ornamental borders, or mixed gardens
Garden Uses
- Edible herb garden or culinary border
- Mixed perennial or ornamental garden beds
- Pollinator-supporting planting schemes
- Container-friendly for patios and small spaces
Other Names
Common Names
- Dark Opal Basil
- Purple Basil
Botanical Name
- Ocimum kilimandscharicum × basilicum ‘Dark Opal’
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