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Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Labiatae

Order

Lamiales

Genus

Coleus

Species

blumei

Description

Ornamental herb with compact growth and a globular habit. The chromatic elegance of the foliage, from which the decorative value of the plant derives, makes it suitable for landscape use in flowerbeds or borders but also in planters and tubs to decorate balconies and terraces.

Most of the varieties cultivated today derive from hybrids whose common characteristic is precisely the colouring of the leaves, mottled and with variegations of different shades, thus becoming the ideal solution for compositions with other plants, whether flowering or green, in order to emphasise this decorative aspect; even the combination of two varieties with foliage of different shades is an excellent solution for creations with a strong visual impact.

Varietal description

Coleus from traditional seed, with strong, compact growth. It requires high cultivation temperatures at the beginning, especially in earlier cycles. Be very careful of waterlogging when the seedlings are still small. Ideal for creating beautiful contrasts in mixed beds with annual flowering plants. For best effect in a flower bed or tub, place velvet red next to very light or white colours to bring out the beautiful velvet red.

curiosity and special features

The term Coleus derives from the Greek koleos, meaning sheath, in relation to the filaments of the stamens bundled together in sheath-like bundles. In English the plant is also commonly called Painted Nettles, referring to the shape of the foliage, which is not stinging.

Origin and Diffusion

Belonging to the genus Coleus, comprising more than 150 annual or perennial species with decorative foliage and originating in the tropical regions of Africa and Asia, the blumei species , native to the island of Java where it can grow to over a metre in height, arrived in Europe in the mid-19th century where its popularity grew, reaching its peak in Victorian-era gardens during which multiple hybrids were created.

Flower size

The flower is small, grouped in an inflorescence.

Leaf

Leaf has an oval lamina.

Flowering period

Coleus is prized as a plant with decorative foliage. Flowering is inconspicuous and lasts from mid- to late summer for 20 to 40 days.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence top.

Leaf color

It is variegated, giving the plant a high decorative value.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.38 to 0.6 m.

Lifespan

Cultivated as an annual since, depending on the climatic conditions, it may not resist for long if left outdoors at the onset of low temperatures.

Suggested planting locations

Ideal for compact and colourful ornamental compositions, also in combination with blooms with different heights to create perspective views; due to the elegance and charm of its foliage, it is suitable for decorating green spaces with a high decorative value such as flowerbeds , balconies, terraces, outdoor tubs, borders, planters

Stem/stem

The stem is herbaceous, the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower has a simple shape, small size and plain petals. It is arranged in small to medium-sized top inflorescences. It flowers from mid- to late summer, with a flowering period of 20 to 40 days. It is attractive to bumblebees.

Growth

Growth is vigorous and compact.

Plant habit

With its globular Plant habit, it is the ideal solution for mixed flowerbed and planter compositions.

branching

It develops abundant branching, displaying dense, showy foliage.

pH

The ideal pH of the soil and substrate is slightly acidic, approximately between 6.0 and 6.5.

soil preparation

Before transplanting into the bed, which should be carried out from mid to late spring, carry out light digging to remove any weeds, stones or bulky pebbles, then continue by burying organic or slow-release chemical fertiliser and breaking up the coarsest clods with a hoe to improve fertiliser distribution and obtain greater softness. In order to favour the draining and drainage of any excess water, proceed with the creation of a raised bed by slightly bouldering the soil, then add professional substrate to the surface to a height of 5/10 cm and carefully level it out.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

sun exposure

Suitable for mid-shade, light shade, full sun exposure

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 16 and 20 °C. The biological temperature is between 7 and 34 °C, thus suitable for warm temperate zones.

Use

It is a very attractive and decorative solution in both small and large green spaces. Its compact growth and the variegated colour tones of its foliage make it ideal in:

Outdoor ornamental Landscaping

Hardiness

Highly rustic variety.

Soil/medium

It offers the best Growth results in medium-textured, light soil that ensures good drainage and avoids waterlogging, which causes root rot; if the soil is too compact, it is advisable to bury sand or peat. For pots or planters, use a spring planting medium containing peat and perlite.

Maintenance

It is an optimal solution for ornamenting gardens, terraces and flowerbeds without requiring any particular effort in its maintenance, as it is considered an easy plant to cultivate and manage requiring a low level of overall effort.

cultivation tips

For optimal growth, it requires the following care and cultivation conditions:

Balanced fertilisation Avoid over-watering

Composition

In flowerbeds and planters, it is advisable to create designs or patterns by juxtaposing two varieties of the same species with different colour shades of the foliage, or by using other ornamentals such as Begonia semperflorens, Bidens ferulifolium, Impatiens New Guinea, Impatiens walleriana, Lobularia maritima in order to obtain perspective views in height and harmonious polychromatic plays.

planting

If used in a flower bed or garden, an average planting density of 20 plants per square metre is recommended in order to achieve a balanced development of each individual specimen and thus proportionate final compositions. Depending on the climatic conditions, we recommend transplanting in mid to late spring, when the minimum temperature is around 14/15°C, to avoid cold damage.

Reproduction/Propagation

Multiplication can be by seed or by apical cuttings.

Irrigation

Suggested planting locations Use rainwater, alternatively from aqueducts or irrigation channels with an optimal neutral pH, either manually or by irrigation. When transplanting, it is advisable to irrigate frequently, avoiding both desiccation and stagnation to ensure proper root development in the new planting site. Then allow the soil or medium to dry slightly between subsequent irrigations, preventing water stress that causes deformation of the leaf blade. It is also advisable not to water the aerial part of the plant during the late afternoon or evening to avoid rot damage.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Fertilization

During pre-transplant soil preparation, carry out a background fertilisation by burying slow-release organic or chemical fertiliser. After proper establishment in the new planting site, during the spring-summer period, apply a balanced fertiliser specifically for ornamental plants to the soil or substrate.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Pet friendly

It may be toxic to pets if ingested in certain doses.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Human toxicity

Toxicity not known to humans, avoid ingestion.

advise 1

The Scarlet coleus with its red foliage and yellow border can be an elegant contrast to the blooms, as it goes well with all the light and pastel colours of the flowers in the flower bed or flower pool. Take care not to water it too much especially in the periods after transplanting and when the climate is not yet permanently warm. It holds up well and recovers even after temporary and episodic periods of drought.