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Conservatory GreenhouseBeddingHouseplantsSynonym

Solenostemon 'Black Prince'

coleus 'Black Prince'

A tender perennial subshrub that is often grown as an annual. It has toothed, soft purple-black leaves with a hint of red. Flower spikes in summer bear tiny lavender and white blooms

Synonyms
Solenostemon 'Black Prince'

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Black Purple Red
Summer Blue White Black Purple Red
Autumn Black Purple Red
Winter Black Purple Red
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus

A genus of annual or perennial herbs or shrubs, some of which can be succulent or tuberous in nature, and one of the easiest plants to propagate. Their velvety leaves add vibrant shades of red, pink, green and purple to beds and borders, pots and containers

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in bright filtered to moderate light. Pot up annually in spring. Grow outdoors in humus-rich moist but well-drained soil in summer. Provide a sheltered, frost-free environment

Propagation

Propagate by seed in early spring (cultivars may not come true) or softwood cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • Sub-tropical
Pruning

Cut back if overwintering. Pinch out tips to encourage branching

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse pests such as mealybugs, scale insects and glasshouse whitefly

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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