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Solenostemon scutellarioides ‘Little Twister’ (Coleus, Flame nettle, Painted nettle)

Solenostemon scutellarioides ‘Little Twister’ Photo/Illustration: Jennifer Benner



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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Solenostemon scutellarioides ‘Little Twister’ sol-en-oh-STEM-on skoot-el-lar-ee-OY-deez Common Name: Coleus, Flame nettle, Painted nettle Synonyms: Coleus blumei var. verschaffeltii Genus: Solenostemon
A mid-size coleus, perfect for filling gaps, 'Little Twister' has crimped, fingery leaves that emerge inky purple, then gradually change to predominantly yellow with lime edges and purple veins. Its 20-inch-long, deep purple stems and compact growth make ‘Little Twister’ a fabulous component of mixed containers.
 Noteworthy characteristics: May be overwintered indoors where not hardy. Coleus have been popular since Victorian times or earlier. Compact growth. Deep purple stems. Crimped leaves with eyecatching colors.
 Care: Coleus likes warm soils with decent drainage, and these plants are not happy in overly dry conditions. Grow in full sun to medium shade; their colors are most vivid in full sun. Half-day sun produces softer colors that are still very appealing. Plants grown in too much sun may wilt, and plants grown in too much shade may become leggy
 Propagation: Sow seed on the soil's surface at 72° to 75°F in early spring. Root softwood cuttings from late spring to autumn.
 Problems: Mealybugs, scale insects, and whiteflies may be a problem under glass. No serious insect or disease problems.
Height 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Growth Habit Clumps
Growth Pace Moderate Grower
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Moderate
Characteristics Showy Foliage
Bloom Time Summer
Foliage Color Colorful/Burgundy Foliage;Evergreen
Flower Color Blue Flower; White Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Container, Indoor Plant, Specimen Plant/ Focal Point, Suitable as Annual
Style Formal Garden
Seasonal Interest Spring Interest, Summer Interest
Type Perennials

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