Species coleus

coleus

Plectranthus scutellarioides hybrids & cvs. ( syn. Solenostemon )

Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides hybrids & cvs. (syn. Solenostemon)) is a wonderful, easy-to-grow plant with its characteristic brightly colored foliage in rainbow shades of red, pink, purple, and yellow. It's perfect in containers, borders, and mass plantings. It thrives in shady areas and is even fairly drought tolerant once established. This plant is best known for its narrow, pointed leaves that have striking coloration, and grows to about 10 to 18 inches tall. Best of all, the blooms are a bonus - they appear in the form of purple spikes during the warmer months. A truly stunning houseplant, coleus can fill any room in your home with colorful life.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Hardiness Zone:

6

Flowers:

Not showy, Green Flowers In Summer

Sun:

Full sun

Soil:

Well-drained

Fruits:

Fruits In Autumn Ready In

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,tan

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

High

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

watering

The London plane is a very hardy tree that is relatively drought tolerant. It requires an average amount of watering, but its moisture requirements can vary depending on the age of the tree. Young trees, usually up to 3 years old, should be watered regularly about once a week in periods of prolonged dry weather. Established trees, over 3 years, need less frequent watering, but will benefit from an occasional deep watering when the soil becomes dry. The best time to water a London plane tree is the early morning or evening. Avoid watering in the middle of the day as this often leads to leaf scorch.

sunlight

London plane trees, also known as Platanus x acerifolia (syn. P. x hispanica), thrive under sunny conditions throughout the day and need at least 6-8 hours of direct sun exposure to grow optimally and produce an abundance of healthy foliage. Ideal sunlight for London plane trees should be bright and full throughout the day, with a minimum of 6 hours per day for ideally northern-facing locations. Avoid afternoon sun or prolonged exposure to the sun's direct rays, as that can damage the tree. Additionally, try to avoid strong winds that can blow leaves and branches off the tree.

pruning

Pruning a London Plane tree should be done in the late winter or early spring when the tree is dormant. The amount of pruning should be minimal in order to maintain the tree's natural shape and size. Dead, diseased, or damaged branches should be removed first. This is followed by removing suckers and water sprouts. Then thin out competing branches that are weak, are rubbing, or cross over 1 another. Finally, reduce the overall height and/or spread of the tree crowns when it is necessary. As a rule, never remove more than 1-third of the overall canopy. Typically, the main leader trunk should remain intact as much as possible.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Harvest Fruit

Hardiness Map

FAQ

Is coleus a suitable plant for indoor gardening?

Coleus is an excellent choice for indoor gardening. It does best in bright, indirect sunlight and needs moderate water and fertilizer. It is an easy to maintain plant with a low-maintenance growth habit and is highly tolerant of changing light conditions. Furthermore, its colorful foliage can liven up any indoor space. It is also an ideal choice if you are looking for a drought-tolerant plant.

Should coleus plants be grown from seeds or cuttings?

Coleus plants can be grown from either seeds or cuttings, depending on the desired results and the availability of materials. Growing from seeds will require more time since it will need to go through the germination process before the plant can be put into soil. Growing from cuttings is a quicker process since all that is needed is to cut a piece of the plant and let it take root in soil. However, if you grow from cuttings you will need a healthy, mature plant to get a cutting from. Cuttings also have the tendency to have a more consistent look and flower development than growing from seeds. Additionally, since they are clones of the parent plant they will be more resistant against diseases.

Is coleus a suitable plant for vertical gardening?

Coleus is a great choice for a vertical garden! Its bright, attractive foliage comes in a variety of colors, making it a great design element in vertical gardens. It is easy to care for and will grow well in most soil conditions. It can also tolerate shade and bright light, meaning it can be placed almost anywhere in your vertical garden. In addition, Coleus can be planted directly into containers or other structures for your vertical garden, making it a great, low-maintenance choice for your unique space.

Is coleus suitable for growing in hanging baskets?

Yes, coleus is an excellent choice for growing in hanging baskets. It is a tropical plant that prefers bright to partial shade and moist soil. Its colorful, variegated leaves are an attraction. It grows quickly and does not require much maintenance. The long trailing stems are ideal for hanging baskets. When growing in hanging baskets, be sure to water regularly and fertilize every 4-6 weeks.

Could coleus plants be grown hydroponically?

Yes, coleus plants can certainly be grown hydroponically. Coleus is a low-maintenance plant that accepts moisture well, making it an ideal choice for hydroponic systems. To grow coleus hydroponically, choose a nutrient solution specifically designed for this type of plant and place the plant in a container with holes for drainage and aeration. Be sure to provide adequate light and monitor the water temperature, pH and nutrient levels to ensure the plant is given proper care.

Is coleus a suitable plant for terrariums?

Coleus is definitely a suitable plant for terrariums, as it is a low-maintenance and hardy plant. Its colorful foliage and broad leaves add visual interest to any terrarium, while its low-light requirements make it perfect for displaying in a glass vessel with limited access to light. It is highly tolerant of indoor temperatures and requires only minimal watering to thrive. It can be propagated easily from pieces of the stem or leaves, making it very easy to care for and maintain. Thus, overall, it is a suitable plant for terrariums.

Is coleus a good choice for edging or bordering gardens?

Coleus is a great choice for edging or bordering gardens. Its attractive foliage and cheerful colors add life to the edges of walkways or planters. Plus, since Coleus is a fast-growing plant, it won’t take long to fill out the area. Coleus is low-maintenance and easy to care for in most climates, as long as it has partial shade and regular watering. Its bright colors and bold foliage make Coleus a great choice for adding a touch of personality to gardens and walkways.

Is coleus a suitable plant for indoor air purification?

Yes, coleus is a suitable plant for indoor air purification. This plant is particularly adept at removing formaldehyde, which is commonly found in a wide range of household products. Coleus is very low-maintenance, requiring only minimal watering and some shade to thrive indoors. It is an easy-to-find and affordable plant that will add a beautiful, vibrant pop of color wherever it is placed. Not only will it help to clean the air of pollutants, but the aesthetic of coleus makes it an attractive addition to any home dĂŠcor.

⚠️ Perenual and its members cannot be held liable for any health issues that may arise from the information provided on the website or from using any of the plants found on the site. The information provided is intended to be used as general guidelines only.