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Coleus (Coleus scutellarioides)

Coleus scutellarioides is an upright to clump-forming herb with often four-angled stems and can develop a shrubby form; some descriptions note a woody base and slightly succulent stems. It is a perennial herb that is also commonly grown as an annual and is a relatively cold-sensitive, short-lived perennial.

LightSources differ on light conditions: sun to partial sun can be suitable, while horticultural sources commonly recommend bright light or partial shade; excessively strong full sun may cause wilting, whereas excessive shade
WaterKeep the growing medium moist but well drained during growth; greenhouse cultivation information recommends ample watering during the growing period.
TemperatureA single source reports an ideal temperature range of about 15–30 °C; sources are few. A single source reports the plant as having low cold hardiness under the RHS classification.
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Coleus illustration

Overview

Coleus scutellarioides is an upright to clump-forming herb with often four-angled stems and can develop a shrubby form; some descriptions note a woody base and slightly succulent stems. It is a perennial herb that is also commonly grown as an annual and is a relatively cold-sensitive, short-lived perennial.

Origin and habitat

Its native range extends through tropical and subtropical Asia to northern Australia, with multiple sources describing the core range as extending from Southeast Asia to Australia. It occurs in tropical to subtropical climates and is sensitive to cold.

Characteristics

Sources differ, with the few available sources placing mature height at about 50–100 cm and spread at about 60–75 cm. The opposite, usually ovate, slightly succulent leaves may be hairy and range from crenate to deeply divided at the margins; cultivated forms vary greatly in foliage color and pattern, including green, white, cream, yellow, pink, red, maroon, and deep purple. Terminal inflorescences may be spike-like and branched, bearing small, lipped flowers commonly in blue-purple to reddish-purple tones, with white corolla tubes or pink flowers also recorded. Flowering is reported from summer to autumn, and the small nutlet-like fruits mature from brown to black.

Light

Sources differ on light conditions: sun to partial sun can be suitable, while horticultural sources commonly recommend bright light or partial shade; excessively strong full sun may cause wilting, whereas excessive shade may cause elongated growth or turn colorful leaf patterns greener.

Watering

Keep the growing medium moist but well drained during growth; greenhouse cultivation information recommends ample watering during the growing period.

Temperature and dormancy

A single source reports an ideal temperature range of about 15–30 °C; sources are few. A single source reports the plant as having low cold hardiness under the RHS classification.

Growing medium and mounting

It suits fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil or a loose growing medium; horticultural cultivation is recorded in clay, loam, sand, and chalk, under acidic, neutral, or alkaline conditions.

Feeding

In greenhouse cultivation, a high-nitrogen fertilizer is generally used during the growing period.

Propagation

It can be propagated by seed or cuttings, and cuttings can root in water or clean growing medium; spring-sown seed is recorded as germinating after a short period.

Common problems

Potential pests include aphids, whiteflies, two-spotted spider mites, scale insects, and mealybugs, with some pests requiring greater attention indoors or in greenhouse conditions. Serious diseases are generally reported to be uncommon. Full sun may cause wilting, while excessive shade may cause elongated growth and insufficient light may make colorful leaf patterns greener. It is sensitive to frost and cold and has low cold hardiness.

Identification

Key identification features include opposite leaves, four-angled stems, and highly variable leaf margins ranging from crenate to divided; cultivated forms are especially noted for colorful, variegated ornamental foliage.

Photos

Coleus scutellarioides
📷 no rights reserved, uploaded by Murielle Desrois · CC0 · source

Sources