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Solenostemon scutellarioides (Coleus, Flame nettle, Painted nettle)

Solenostemon scutellarioides 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 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

The variously shaped leaves of these popular bedding plants typically combine several colors, such as chartreuse, rust red, cream, and purple-black. Some cultivars sport almost all of these colors combined. The darker the red in the leaf, the more sun the plant will tolerate.

Coleus are tender tropicals that are generally grown as annuals because they are hardy only in Zone 11. They are easy to grow, reliable plants known for their colorful foliage that comes in many color combinations and mixes well with other garden plants. Blue to white nettle-like flowers bloom in racemes in summer, but are not showy and tend to detract visually from the attractiveness of the plants.


 Noteworthy characteristics: Coleus may be overwintered indoors where not hardy. They have been popular since Victorian times or earlier. The leaves frequently feature mixtures of colors in irregular patterns.
 Care: Coleus like warm soils with decent drainage, and they 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 Adaptable
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, Suitable as Annual
Style Cottage Garden, Formal Garden
Seasonal Interest Spring Interest, Summer Interest
Type Perennials

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Solenostemon scutellarioides ‘Red Trailing Queen’ Solenostemon scutellarioides ‘Red Trailing Queen’
(Coleus, Flame nettle, Painted nettle) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

As basic as a black dress, 15-inch-tall ‘Red Trailing Queen’ bedecks herself from leaf to stem in regal burgundy. Her simple oval leaf shape and straightforward color complement most shades, except blue and true purple. The subtle strength of the coleus’s burgundy foliage strikes a balance with soft pinks or pale yellows as well as bright fuchsias or bold oranges.
Solenostemon scutellarioides ‘Meandering Linda’ Solenostemon scutellarioides ‘Meandering Linda’
(Coleus, Flame nettle, Painted nettle) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

‘Meandering Linda’, a close cousin of  Solenostemon ‘Red Trailing Queen’, grows 16 inches tall and bears crinkly, chocolate-purple leaves banded in rich raspberry-pink, with touches of cream along the edges. It makes a scrumptious duo with anything silver, especially the elegant silver-white foliage of dusty miller (Centaurea cineraria ‘Colchester White’, Zones 7–11). ‘Meandering Linda’ appears to be a sport of ‘Red Trailing Queen’, and if planted in less than half-day sun, it sometimes reverts to its plain burgundy form.
Solenostemon scutellarioides ‘Trailing Bleeding Heart’ Solenostemon scutellarioides ‘Trailing Bleeding Heart’
(Coleus, Flame nettle, Painted nettle) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

The 14-inch-tall cultivar ‘Trailing Bleeding Heart’ has hot fuchsia-pink leaves ringed with purple and a band of lime green.
Solenostemon scutellarioides ‘Trailing Salamander’ Solenostemon scutellarioides ‘Trailing Salamander’
(Coleus, Flame nettle, Painted nettle) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

‘Trailing Salamander’, which grows 14 inches tall, has oval, near-black leaves edged in bright lime. Its neutral color scheme makes it a choice filler for containers. It looks good with almost anything. Coleus are tender tropicals that are generally grown as annuals because they are hardy only in Zone 11. They are easy to grow, reliable plants. Blue to white nettle-like flowers bloom in racemes in summer, but are not showy and tend to visually detract from the attractiveness of the plants.
Solenostemon scutellarioides ‘Ruby Ruffles’ Solenostemon scutellarioides ‘Ruby Ruffles’
(Coleus, Flame nettle, Painted nettle) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

‘Ruby Ruffles’ has frilly, fingery foliage with ruby centers and chartreuse edges. It is a relatively compact trailer. Coleus are tender tropicals that are generally grown as annuals because they are hardy only in Zone 11. They are easy to grow, reliable plants known for their colorful foliage. Blue to white nettle-like flowers bloom in racemes in summer, but are not showy and tend to visually detract from the attractiveness of the plants.