Coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides)

Solenostemon scutellarioides (Coleus) is a perennial subshrub plant that usually reaches 40 cm to 1 m in height, although sometimes it can reach up to 2 m in height.
Its leaves vary widely in shape, color and size, and can be variegated or uniform.

Plant profile

Common name: Coleus
Scientific name: Solenostemon scutellarioides, Solenostemon scutellarioides
Plant type: Perennials
Habit: Bushy
Height: 50cm - 1.5m
Spread: 10cm - 50cm
Foliage: Evergreen
Foliage color: Green, Pink, Purple, Red, Variegated, Yellow
Season of interest: Autumn, Spring, Summer, Winter
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial shade
Soil: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Moist but well drained
Garden type: Patio & Container Garden
Planting type: Containers & Pots

Its superb colors and ease of cultivation make it an appreciated ornamental plant, which can be grown in the garden or in large pots.
Its inflorescences occur on terminal ears, and are usually bluish-purple but are often removed as soon as they appear so that the foliage remains compact and lush.

Scientific name

Solenostemon scutellarioides. Formerly known as Coleus blumei.

Origin

South Asia and Malaysia.

Climate

It adapts well to almost any type of climate, but does not support low temperatures.

Sunlight

Partial shade or direct sun. Most cultivars have better color and better appearance when grown in partial shade.

Watering

The soil must always remain moist, but not soaked.

Soil

Plant coleus in a fertile soil, rich in organic matter and well drained. This plant tolerates many types of soil and a wide pH range, but the ideal is a pH between 6 and 7.

Cultivation cycle

Perennial. Over time this plant becomes less compact and with sparse foliage so it is often grown as an annual or biennial.

Propagation

Propagate coleus from seed, which should be sown at a depth of at most 0.5 cm in the soil, and can be sown in the final place or in sowing trays and transplanted when they are approximately 10 cm high. The germination of the seeds usually occurs in a week or two.

From cuttings, taken from healthy, well-developed plants root very easily in moist soil.