Coleus scutellarioides or Plectranthus scutellarioides, more commonly called “coleus” or Flame Nettle, is a dramatic addition to any Southern garden. In fact, it can add a tropical flare to any temperate garden, as well.
With big, soft leaves, many featuring vividly hued patterns, coleus provides all the color of flowering plants without much of the fuss and bother.
But don’t be fooled — coleus loves to bloom, and bees love it when coleus puts off its small lavendar flower spikes. We weren’t sure whether to classify this as a pollinator plant or an ornamental, because it does both jobs so fantastically well.
Coleus Benefits
- Easy care plant for beginner gardeners and children
- Provides brilliant color for shady garden areas
- May have health benefits when used as an herbal medicine
- Easy to propagate
- Can be grown indoors or outdoors
- Suitable for containers or garden beds
- Perennial in Zones 11 (and sometimes 9 and 10)
Coleus Description
Coleus comes in a wide range of colors and shapes. You’ll find soft green, heart-shaped leaf varieties as well as bright purple jagged leaves. The combinations are staggering.
Coleus have unique, rigid, square-shaped stems and they grow as tall as 3 feet. Their flowers a small, some say insignificant. They’re blue or lavender colored and grow on spikes. Many gardeners choose to remove the flowers before they can bloom since they can divert nutrients from the growth of the colorful foliage. However, the flowers provide excellent forage for bees.
Tips for Germination
Although Coleus are easy to grow from cuttings (clones), it’s often just as easy to grow them from seed
You can sow coleus seeds indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date and plant them out once that date has passed. While frost may not be an issue at any time of the year in Zones 10 and 11, it’s best to start seeds inside and out of the elements.
Prepare your seed trays or soil blocks with light, well-draining seed media, and water them well. Coleus seeds require light to germinate, so scatter seeds on top and press into the soil. Do not cover.
Keep seeds in a warm area (60°F+) with bright shade or moderate indoor light. Keep the soil moist by watering from the bottom to prevent them from washing away or getting buried. Protect from cold and rain. Seeds germinate in 12 to 21 days.
Buy Coleus Seeds Here
| Species Name: | Coleus scutellarioides |
| Common name(s): | Coleus, Flame Nettle |
| Defining Characteristics: | Brightly colored leaves |
| Temperature requirement: | Germination: 60°F Optimal: 65-80°F |
| Watering frequency: | Once to twice a week depending on sunlight exposure and temperature |
| Lighting: | Shade to partial shade to partial sun. |
| Soil type: | Well-draining with high organic matter |
| Growth rate: | Fast |
| Height: | 2-3 feet |
| Origin: | Indonesia |
| Regional locality: | N/A |
| USDA Hardiness Zone: | 10-11 |
| Toxicity Notes: | For more information please visits the ASPCA list of Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants list of Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants |
| Common Pests: | mealy bugs, whiteflies, aphids, spider mites |
| Common Problems: | Legginess -- prune regularly to promote bushiness |
| Perfect Potting Companions: | For a tropical garden look, plant coleus with ferns, Persian shield, and Sanchezia. |
| Additional Notes: |