Arabesque Colour Flash

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Lamiaceae

Order

Lamiales

Genus

Solenostemon

Species

coleoides

Description

An ornamental herbaceous plant with vigorous growth and an upright habit. Prised for its foliage in vibrant shades, it is resistant to summer heat and suitable for any position, from shade to full sun. The new varieties are used by gardeners and plant enthusiasts of all experience levels to create landscape effects in flowerbeds as well as on terraces and balconies, including in combinations with flowering ornamental plants, thanks to the unique decorative touch provided by the leaves, which remain bright and lush even when exposed to high summer temperatures.

Variety description

It belongs to a new generation of coleus – those grown from cuttings – which are robust and hardy, with thicker leaves and stems than seed-grown coleus. As a result, they adapt very well to all light conditions and summer heat. The ‘Colour Flash’ coleus has been selected to flower late, so that foliage growth continues uninterrupted throughout the summer. At the start of cultivation and when transplanting into a flowerbed, minimum night-time temperatures must be maintained above 13–14°C to avoid problems with root establishment and plant mortality. Due to their decorative qualities, they are among the emerging varieties on the market, particularly for use in landscaping and in planters.

Curiosities and special features

The genus name, Solenostemon, is derived from the Greek solén, meaning ‘channel’ or ‘tube’, and stémon, meaning ‘stamen’ , whilstcóleus, also derived from Greek, means ‘sheath’ or ‘husk’; both terms refer to the distinctive structure of the floral filaments, which are arranged in bundles.

Origin and distribution

Native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, South-East Asia, Australia and India, it is most widely found in Indonesia and Sri Lanka; it first arrived in Europe in the 19th century and subsequently in the Americas, where it aroused considerable interest thanks to its decorative foliage. In the early 1990s, it was rediscovered as a plant for landscaping or for use in planters; today, it is represented by numerous robust and hardy varieties, with leaves in bright, striking colours.

Flower size

Flower individually is small, clustered in a spike-like Inflorescence.

Leaf

The leaf, with its decorative and striking colours, has a lanceolate blade that is tomentose, i.e. covered in a dense, fine down.

Flowering period

Flowering occurs from late summer to early autumn for a duration of 20 to 40 days; the plant is mainly appreciated for its decorative foliage that remains throughout the summer.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence spike.

Leaf colour

Leaf is variegated, with high decorative value.

Plant height

The plant’s height ranges from 0.35 to 0.5 m, depending on the time of transplanting and its exposure.

Lifespan

Plant cultivated as a Seasonal in relation to present climatic conditions.

Where to plant

Its longevity during the summer months and the ornamental value of its foliage make it an excellent choice – even in full sun – for enhancing areas such asflowerbeds, outdoor planters and window boxes

Stem

Ithas a herbaceous stem andthe plant has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in shape and small in size. The petals are a solid colour. It forms small spike-like inflorescences. It flowers from late summer to early autumn, with a flowering period of between 20 and 40 days.

Growth

Growth is vigorous, suitable for compact and visually impressive overall results.

Plant habit

The tree has anupright habit, defined by the sinuous lines of its ornamental foliage, making it ideal for use in landscaping.

Branching

It develops a moderate number of branches right from the lower part of the stem, giving the plant a bushy, leafy appearance.

PH

The ideal pH of the soil or medium is sub-acidic, between 6.0 and 6.5.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting into the flowerbed – which should be done once night-time temperatures have stabilised above 13–14°C – dig the soil to a depth of about 20–30 cm, removing any weeds, residues from previous crops and any large stones or pebbles; then work in some slow-release organic or chemical fertiliser and break up any large clods using a spade. To improve drainage of excess water, create a raised bed by gently mounding the soil; finally, level the surface carefully and mark out the planting holes at a suitable spacing.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Sun exposure

Suitable for exposure in half shade, shade, bright shade, full sun.

Ideal climate and temperature

Suitable for warm temperate regions. The ideal temperature is between 16 and 20 °C. The biological temperature range is between 7 and 34 °C; the latter represents a very wide temperature range, reflecting the plant’s resilience in conditions of intense heat – a particularly significant characteristic in light of current climate change, with summers becoming increasingly sweltering. In the initial period following transplanting, it is very important that the temperature is above 15 °C to encourage rapid re-establishment; indeed, at lower temperatures, collar and root rot may occur.

Use

Its decorative foliage and high tolerance to summer heat make it ideal for use as a plant in
outdoor ornamental settings Outdoor landscape design Landscaping

Hardiness

It is moderately hardy, tolerates the summer heat and adapts to a range of light conditions.

Soil

It prefers medium textured soil or soil tending towards sandy, Amended, well draining and not compact; for tubs and planters use a spring plant substrate of fibrous peat with perlite.

Difficulty

It is easy to manage and maintain in flowerbeds or tubs, particularly in warm temperate zones.

Growing tips

To achieve the best results in terms of vegetative growth, we recommend:
Keep the growing medium dry at low temperatures It prefers a hot, dry climate

Combinations with other plants

To create pleasing colour and movement effects, it can be used in combination with ornamental flowering plants such asBegonia x hybrida, Bidens ferulifolia, Impatiens walleriana, Petunia x hybrida, Tagetes patula, Salvia farinacea, Zinnia marylandica, or with other species featuring decorative foliage such asPlectranthus argentatus and Colocasia, or even by combining different varieties of the same Coleoides species .

Planting

When planting in a flowerbed, an average density of 14 plants per square metre is recommended in order to ensure proper vegetative growth of each plant and, consequently, a balanced and proportionate arrangement. We suggest placing each seedling in a raised bed with the root collar above ground level, taking care not to damage the roots and avoiding burying the root balls completely; these should be kept well moist, Finally, water immediately after planting, preferably in the morning, whilst avoiding waterlogging.

Propagation

By apical cutting.

Watering

Use rainwater, or alternatively tap water or canal water, either by watering by hand or using an irrigation system. When transplanting, support the seedling to help it adapt properly to its new location, maintaining constant moisture levels whilst ensuring the soil does not become waterlogged, to prevent subsequent rot at the collar or in the roots. Subsequently, allow the soil or growing medium to dry out slightly between waterings, whilst taking care to avoid water stress, which can lead to premature flowering and stunted growth of the foliage; it is also advisable not to water the above-ground part of the plant from above in the late afternoon or evening to avoid subsequent plant diseases.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Fertilising

When preparing the soil prior to transplanting, apply a base dressing by working organic or slow-release chemical fertiliser into the soil. During the spring– summer, once the plant has settled in properly after transplanting, regularly apply a balanced fertiliser suitable for ornamental plants to the soil or growing medium at the base of the plant. This should be applied in liquid form – i.e. diluted in the irrigation water – without exceeding the recommended frequency or dosage.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Toxicity for humans

The leaves of some varieties may be toxic if ingested.

Tip

In landscaping, the height of Coleus plants is determined by the time of planting and their exposure. The later the transplanting and the more hours of direct sunlight the plant receives, the shorter and more compact it will grow, particularly the ‘Colour Flash’ variety. Take care to avoid prolonged water stress, which can cause premature flowering and a consequent halt in foliage growth. In this case, it is advisable to promptly pinch out the tips where flower buds are forming. Necrosis on the leaf margins is caused by excessive water stress or high salinity in the potting compost.