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Also Known As: Painted Nettle

Botanical Name: Solenostemon scutellarioides (Coleus blumei)

Pronunciation: so-len-o-STE-mon sku-te-lay-ri-OID-es

Family Name: Labiatae (mint)

Origin: Asia, Africa, Pacific islands, Australia

Common Relatives: lavender, sage, rosemary, thyme

Introduction: It’s not the flower, but the foliage that draws most admirers to the coleus. This member of the mint family is a kaleidoscope of color with foliage in shades of fuchsia, burgundy, green, cream and red. One wonders if the coleus’ dainty blooms of crimson, green and white feel slighted by the lack of attention they’re given in comparison to their lovely, leafy counterparts! To enjoy your coleus for many years, display in partial sun and keep soil moist.

Interesting Facts:

• From the Greek solen (tube) and stemon (stamen), in reference to the satems being united into the corrola (petal) tube. Family members are easily recognized by their square stems. Many family members are important for volatile oils used in the perfume industry. More commonly listed under Coleus blumei.
• Often considered a foliage plants because it lasts so long and flowers are not always the main attraction, but rather the multi-colored foliage.
• More commonly listed as Coleus blumei.
• Some favorite cultivars and their respective flower colors include 'Wizard Scarlet' (red with green edges) and 'Wizard Rose' (fuchsia/green/cream). Will generally do well in light levels at least bright enough to read a newspaper in comfort but more light (up to filtered full sunlight) would be better.

• Dicotyledon, leaves not parallel veined
• foliage often colored green, yellow, orange, red, purple

Flower Color: blue

Fragrance: no

Decorative Life: 2-4 plus weeks, months or even years depending on environment

Special Concerns:

Ethylene Sensitivity: yes