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Solenostemon scutellarioides ‘Vulcan’ (Coleus, Flame nettle, Painted nettle)

Solenostemon scutellarioides ‘Vulcan’ 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 ‘Vulcan’ 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
26-inch-tall ‘Vulcan’ has a complex color scheme: crimson with an undercurrent of reddish rose, enhanced by brushes of black that heighten the richness of its crimped, puckered leaves. A defining edge of lemon yellow causes the leaves to stand out from one another instead of blurring into a solid mass of color. ‘Vulcan’ makes such a dramatic statement that a single plant can carry a scene for the entire season. Use it to brighten a dull stretch of spring-blooming plants when the main show is over, or combine ‘Vulcan’ with asters and mums that don't contribute much to the garden until late summer.
 Noteworthy characteristics: May be overwintered indoors where not hardy. Coleus has been popular since Victorian times or earlier. Its leaves frequently feature mixtures of colors in irregular patterns.
 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. Pinch off flower stems to maintain shape and to avoid detracting from foliage.
 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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