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Herbaceous PerennialHouseplantsSynonym

Plectranthus thyrsoideus

flowering bush coleus

A bushy evergreen perennial with heart-shaped, round-toothed leaves to 10cm long, and spikes of bright blue flowers 1cm long, mostly in winter

Synonyms

Plectranthus thyrsoideus
Solenostemon thyrsoideus

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Ultimate height

0.5–1 metres

Time to ultimate height

2–5 years

Ultimate spread

0.1–0.5 metres

Chalk

Loam

Sand

Moisture

Moist but well–drained, Well–drained

pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Partial shade

Aspect

South–facing

Exposure

Sheltered

Hardiness
Hardiness ratings
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)

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: Correct
Plant range: S Trop. Africa

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in areas prone to frost; may be grown outside in the summer. Use a peat-free John Innes No 2 compost and position in dappled shade. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser once a month and water freely. In winter much less water is required

Propagation

Propagate by seed in temperatures of 19-24°C (66-75°F) when they are ripe. Can also be propagated by softwood cuttings any time of year

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Patio and container plants

Pruning

Pinch out tips of young plants to encourage bushy growth

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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