Coleus scutellarioides

Common Names

Coleus, Painted Nettle, Flame Nettle, Flybush, Hullwort

Summary

Native to tropical regions of Asia to Australia, this foliage plant has an upright to trailing habit and typically reaches 6 inches to 3 ft tall and wide. It features square stems and bold, multicolored leaves 1–6 inches long with varied shapes and scalloped margins, offering colors from greens and yellows to reds, pinks, purples, and oranges; flowers are small and summer-spike borne but usually insignificant. Light needs vary by cultivar from shade to some sun, with bright indirect light often preferred for indoor growth; soil should be rich, moist, and well drained, kept evenly moist, not soggy. Thrive in 60–85°F (15–29°C) and moderate humidity; propagation is easy by stem cuttings (4–6 inches) rooted in water or potting mix; regular fertilization with balanced fertilizer every 3–4 weeks supports foliage color; prune tips to promote bushiness and remove flower spikes; tender perennial in warm zones (often grown as an annual elsewhere) with overwintering indoors in frost-free climates; ideal uses include beds, borders, containers, hanging baskets, and interiorscape; common pests include aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, and whiteflies.

Lifecycle

Annual, Perennial

Height

1-3 feet

Spread

2-2.5 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 10-11

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial sun to partial shade (variety-dependent); bright, indirect light; avoid prolonged intense direct sun.

Soil Type

Loamy, moist, well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Bloom Color

Blue to White

Bloom Time

Summer

Foliage Color

Multicolored foliage

Fall Foliage Color

Red, Yellow, Green, Purple, Pink, Orange, Burgundy, Brown, Gold

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Fast to rapid growth; up to 4 weeks to maturity.

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts pollinating insects