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coleus

Scientific Name: Coleus

Family: Lamiaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Coleus: A Kaleidoscope of Color

Coleus, with its vibrant and diverse foliage, has captivated gardeners for generations. Its ease of growth and striking leaf patterns make it a popular choice for adding a splash of color to both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Considerations for Pets

  • Coleus is a member of the Lamiaceae (Mint) family.

Considerations for Children

  • Coleus may have a camphor-like smell.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Solenostemon scutellarioides (formerly Coleus)
  • Common Names: Coleus, Flame Nettle, Painted Nettle, Painted Leaf, Poor Man's Croton, Indian Borage, Bread and Butter Plant, Spanish Thyme, East Indian Thyme, Stinging Thyme, Country Boarage
  • Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)
  • Synonyms: Coleus blumei

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Southeast Asia and Malaysia.
  • Widely cultivated as a garden plant.

Morphology and Growth Habits

  • Tropical evergreen tender perennial, often grown as an annual.
  • Typically grows to 60-75 cm (24-30 inches) tall.
  • Trailing purple stems may reach up to 1 meter in length (in some varieties like Brazilian Coleus - P. oertendahlii).
  • Exhibits a wide variety of leaf sizes and shapes. Leaf colors include shades of apricot, red, yellow, pink, rose, purple, orange, green, and chartreuse.

Cultivation

  • Prefers bright, indirect light or partial shade. Some varieties tolerate full sun, although foliage color is often enhanced in shade.
  • Excellent weather tolerance.
  • Ideal for growing in beds or patio containers.

Traditional Uses

  • Coleus forskohlii has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 3,000 years and traditionally used in Asian medicine.

Quirky Facts

  • Greg, a plant expert, has stated that "Coleus has become the hosta of the annual world with over 600 cutting varieties and 30 seed varieties."
  • Coleus is sometimes referred to as "vegetable clowns" due to its multitude of forms.

Resources

  • Burpee.com offers information on growing coleus seeds and plants.
  • Rosy Dawn Gardens sells coleus plants propagated from cuttings.
  • WebMD provides patient medical information for Coleus forskohlii.