Virunga Red

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Labiatae

Order

Lamiales

Genus

Coleus

Species

blumei

Description

An ornamental herbaceous plant with a compact growth habit and a globular shape. The elegant colouring of its foliage, which gives the plant its decorative value, makes it suitable for use in landscaping, in flowerbeds or borders, but also in planters and pots to adorn balconies and terraces.

Most of the varieties cultivated today are derived from hybrids whose common feature is precisely the colouring of the leaves, which are mottled and variegated in different shades, making them the ideal choice for arrangements with other plants – whether flowering or evergreen – to highlight this decorative aspect; combining two varieties with foliage of different shades is also an excellent way to create arrangements with a strong visual impact.

Varietal description

Coleus plants grown from seed in the Virunga series are characterised by very broad, colourful leaves on a strong, rounded clump. They should be grown in pots, not in seed trays, and require high growing temperatures initially, particularly in the earliest growing cycles. Care should also be taken to avoid waterlogging whilst the seedlings are still small. Thanks to its vigorous and robust growth, it is ideal for large beds in shade or partial shade, creating beautiful contrasts in mixed borders with annual flowering plants.

curiosity and special features

The term ‘Coleus’ derives from the Greek word ‘koleos’, meaning ‘sheath’, in reference to the filaments of the stamens, which are grouped into bundles resembling sheaths. In English, the plant is also commonly known as ‘Painted Nettles’, a reference to the shape of its foliage, which, however, does not cause a stinging sensation.

Origin and Diffusion

Belonging to the genus Coleus, which comprisesmorethan 150 annual or perennial species with ornamental foliage, native to 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 time numerous hybrids were created.

Flower size

The flower is small and grouped together in an inflorescence.

Leaf

Leaf has an oval lamina.

Flowering period

Coleus is prized as a plant with decorative foliage. Its flowers are rather inconspicuous and bloom from mid-summer to early autumn for a period of between 20 and 40 days.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence top.

Leaf color

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

Plant height

The plant’s height ranges from 0.45 to 0.6 m.

Lifespan

It is grown as an annual because, given the prevailing climatic conditions, it may not survive for long outdoors once the cold weather sets in.

Suggested planting locations

Ideal for compact, colourful ornamental arrangements, and can also be combined with flowers of varying heights to create a sense of depth; thanks to the elegance and charm of its foliage, it is suitable for adorning highly decorative green spaces such as flowerbeds, balconies, terraces, outdoor planters, borders and window boxes

Stem/stem

The stem isherbaceous; the plant has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in shape, small in size, with solid-coloured petals. It grows in small to medium-sized terminal inflorescences. It flowers from mid-summer to early autumn, with a flowering period of between 20 and 40 days.

Growth

It grows vigorously and forms a rounded shape.

Plant habit

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

branching

It develops amoderate branching pattern, with dense, striking foliage.

pH

The ideal pH of the soil and growing medium is slightly acidic, typically ranging between 6.0 and 6.5.

soil preparation

Before transplanting into the flowerbed – which should be done from mid-spring until the end of spring – lightly dig over the soil, removing any weeds, stones or large pebbles, then work in organic or slow-release chemical fertiliser and break up the larger clods using a spade to improve fertiliser distribution and achieve a looser texture. To encourage the runoff and drainage of any excess water, create a raised bed by gently mounding the soil; finally, add a layer of professional potting compost to a depth of 5–10 cm and level it carefully.

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sun exposure

Suitable for sun exposure in half shade, shade, light shade

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 16 and 20 °C. The biological temperature range is between 9 and 34 °C, making it suitable for warm temperate zones.

Use

It is a very attractive and decorative option for both small and large green spaces; its compact growth habit and the varied colour tones of its foliage make it ideal for:

Outdoor ornamental use Landscaping

Hardiness

A variety characterised by itshigh hardiness.

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 ideal choice for decorating gardens, terraces and flowerbeds without requiring much maintenance; indeed, it is considered an easy plant to grow and look after, requiring very little effort overall.

cultivation tips

For optimal growth, the following measures and growing conditions are required:

Balanced fertilisation Avoid over-watering Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day

Composition

In flowerbeds and planters, it is advisable to create designs or patterns by combining two varieties of the same species with different shades of foliage, or by using other ornamental plants such asBegonia semperflorens, Bidens ferulifolium, New Guinea Impatiens, Impatiens walleriana and Lobularia maritima, in order to create a sense of height and harmonious, multi-coloured effects.

planting

When used in a flowerbed or garden, an average planting density of 18 plants per square metre is recommended to ensure balanced growth of each individual plant and, consequently, well-proportioned final arrangements. Depending on local climatic conditions, it is advisable to transplant the plants in mid- to late spring, when the minimum temperature is around 14–15°C, to avoid damage from the cold.

Reproduction/Propagation

Propagation can be carried out 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.

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Fertilization

When preparing the soil prior to planting, apply a base dressing by working organic or slow-release chemical fertiliser into the soil. Once the plant has become properly established in its new location, during the spring and summer months, apply a balanced fertiliser specifically formulated for ornamental plants to the soil or growing medium.

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Pet friendly

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

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Human toxicity

Toxicity to humans is unknown; avoid ingestion.

advise 1

Care must be taken not to transplant them into the flowerbed before the minimum night-time temperatures have stabilised above 12–13°C. Remove the terminal flowers as soon as they appear, pruning back to a pair of leaves. The appearance of flowers at the tips is a sign of stress, usually caused by drought, after which the plant will stop growing unless the flower is removed. Any necrosis on the leaf margins may be caused by high salinity in the potting compost. It is hardy and recovers well even after temporary or occasional periods of drought. Fertilise every two weeks.