Solenostemon scutellarioides
coleus
A tender, evergreen perennial to 60cm, with semi-succulent, square stems bearing ovate, toothed leaves. The species shows some leaf variegation and numerous brightly coloured cultivars have been developed from it. Small, blue flowers are borne on an upright, branching spike to 20cm
Other common names
painted nettleSynonyms
Coleus verschaffeltiiSolenostemon scutellarioides
see moreColeus blumei
Plectranthus verschaffeltii
Plectranthus nudiflorus
Solenostemon blumei
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue | Green | ||
| Autumn | Blue | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical 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
- Malaysia and SE Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass grow in peat-free potting compost in full light or partial shade. Water freely in growth and apply a high-nitrogen every 2 weeks. Outdoors grow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Pinch out young shoots and to keep plants compact
Propagation
Propagate by seed or cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
Pinch out growing tips to promote bushiness
Pests
May be susceptible to mealybugs, scale insects and glasshouse whitefly
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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