Coleus, Flame Nettle, Painted Nettle


Scientific Name: Coleus blumei Hort. ex Cobeau
Synonym: Coleus Χ hybridus, Solenostemon scutellarioides
Family: Lamiaceae
Coleus, Flame Nettle, Painted Nettle(Coleus blumei)
Recommended Temperature Zone:
Sunset®: All zones as annual
USDA: All zones as annual

Frost Tolerance: Tender in Phoenix

Heat Tolerance: Light shade to shade in Phoenix, still questionable resistance

Sun Exposure: Light shade

Origin: Hybrid of mostly Indonesian species

Growth Habits: Deciduous perennial grown as tender annual, up to 4 feet tall (1.2 m) but generally around 1 foot tall (30 cm), 8 to 12 inches spread (20 to 30 cm)

Flowers: White or blue flowers

Watering Needs: Regular water, does better with moist soil rich in organic matter

Propagation: Seeds, cuttings in summer

Coleus are good edging plants as well as flower beds and containers. They look good with other annuals with similar growing preferences like begonias, impatiens or browallias.

Culture:
Feed occasionally during the growing season, pinch the flower buds to keep the plants bushy, and beware of snails and slugs.

Propagation:
The seeds are small and should be started indoors 10 weeks before planting. Germination takes one to two weeks at 70-85°F (21 to 29°C) to occur. The seeds should not be covered. It might be advantageous to put the pot in a plastic bag to maintain humidity. Transplant 10 week old seedlings 1 foot apart (30 cm) after the last frost. Pinch the young plants to encourage bushiness.

The cuttings taken in summer root easily in water.


 

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