Coleus

( KOE - lee - us )

At-A-Glance Information

Coleus is a genus of perennial and annual herbs or subshrubs native to the tropics and subtropics of Europe, Asia and Africa. Common names for these plants include Spurflower, Flybush, Hedgehog Flower, and Hullwort. They are cultivated as ornamentals for their colorful foliage, and in some cases as crop plants for their edible tuber roots and foliage.

Coleus Species and Varietals

There are 212  species of Coleus, which is a member of the plant family Lamiaceae, and the best growing zones for these plants vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Coleus amboinicus (Plectranthus amboinicus) (Indian Borage, Country Borage, French Thyme. Indian Mint, Mexican Mint, Cuban Oregano, Broad Leaf Thyme, Soup Mint, Spanish Thyme)
These plants are native to Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and India, and is widely cultivated and has naturalized elsewhere around the world. It is grown as a culinary spice as well as an ornamental plant. Foliage has a pungent oregano-like flavor and odor. Individual plants reach up to 3.3 feet tall and have fleshy stems and green, soft foliage. Flowers bloom on a short stem and are pale purple-blue. Cultivar 'Variegatus', or Variegated Cuban Oregano, has leaves roughly edged in white.

Coleus argentatus (Plectranthus argentatus) (Silver Spurflower)
This species is native to Queensland and New South Wales, Australia, where it likes to grow on rock outcrops and rainforest borders. Plants reach up to 3 feet tall and produce light grey-green foliage and blue-white flowers on spikes.

Coleus australis (Plectranthus parviflorus) (Little Spurflower, Cockspur Flower)
Native to Australia, Hawaii and Polynesia, these small shrubs are not aromatic, and produce green leaves with scalloped edges. They typically grow in moist forests, rocky areas, and along streambeds. Flowers are blue and white, and flower throughout the year in the plant's native range.

Coleus barbatus (Plectranthus barbatus) (Wooly Plectranthus, Boldo Brasileiro, Boldo Gaucho, Tapete-de-Oxala, Doliprane)
​This species is native to tropical Africa and Southeast Asia, and forms a semi-succulent subshrub to 5 feet tall and just as wide. Flowers grow on upright racemes, and are purple blue.

Coleus caninus (Plectranthus caninus)
Leaves and flowers of these plants are aromatic (similar to the fragrance of Eucalyptus foliage), and are sticky to the touch. Animals typically avoid these plants due to their smell. These plants will root easily from cuttings, and are tolerant of mild drought conditions as well as full sun exposure.

Coleus comosus (Plectranthus ornatus, Coleus canina) (Scaredy Cat Plant)
This species is native to tropical areas of Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, and is rumored to scare away cats and dogs, who do not like its scent. It forms a semi-succulent subshrub that reaches between 1 and 5 feet tall at maturity. Flowers are purple and bloom on spikes above foliage.

Coleus esculentus (Plectranthus esculentus) (Kaffir Potato, Livingstone Potato)
Native to tropical Africa, these plants are cultivated for their edible tubers and can reach up to 6.5 feet tall when mature. Foliage is green with toothed margins, and flowers are yellow. The rootstock is often used as a substitute for a potato or sweet potato. 

Coleus madagascariensis (Plectranthus madagascariensis) (Thicket Coleus, Madagascar Coleus, Candle Plant, False Insence)
This species is native to southern and southeastern Africa, and forms a fragrant, semi-succulent sprawling shrub that reaches about 3 feet tall. Stems will root where they touch ground. Leaves are green and hairy and have rounded teeth. When crushed, they release am oregano-like scent. 'Lynne'  is a cultivar with variegated leaves.

Coleus neochilus (Plectranthus neochilus) (Lobster Bush, Fly Bush, Mosquito Bush)
This perennial groundcover species of Coleus is native to South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Namibia. Leaves are succulent and grey-green. These plants grow quickly, and have an aroma that is similar to that of Cannabis. Blooms are produced twice a year, in late summer and late winter in their native range.

Coleus rotundifolius (Plectranthus rotundifolius, Solenostemon rotundifolius) (Native Potato, Country Potato, Chinese Potato, Hausa Potato, Sudan Potato)
Native to tropical Africa, these plants are cultivated for their edible tubers as well as their ornamental value. Leaves are light green, and flowers are purple, blooming in 
Coleus scutellarioides (Coleus blumei, Plectranthus scutellarioides, Solenostemon scutellarioides) (Coleus, Painted Nettle)
Native to southeast Asia through to Australia, these plants are shrubby and form woody bases, commonly cultivated for their foliage, which is variegated in many cultivated varieties. They have an upright habit (though some cultivars have trailing stems) and can be grown as annuals or perennials, depending on the climate.
'Alabama Sunset'
'Black Prince'
'Buttercream'
'Camillia' ('Camille')
'Campfire'
'Carnival'
'China Rose'
'Combat'
'Coral Sunrise'
'Crimson Ruffles'
'Dark Heart'
'Dark Star'
'Defiance'
'Dipt in Wine'
'Dragon's Claw'
'El Brighto'
'Fancy Feathers'
'Florida Sun'
'Fright Night'
'Gay's Delight'
'Henna'
'Indian Summer'
'Juliet Quartermain'
'Lord Falmouth'
'Mint Mocha'
'Pinata'
'Pineapple Beauty'
'Pineapple Splash'
'Pineapplette'
'Pink Chaos'
'Redhead'
'Royal Glissade'
'Roy Pedley'
'Royal Scot'
'Sibila'
'Solar Eclipse'
'Solar Flare'
'Velvet Mocha'
'Sunset'
'Tell Tale Heart'
'Trailing Rose'
'Trusty Rusty'
'Versa Crimson Gold'
'Versa Lime'
'Walter Turner'
'Watermelon'
'Wasabi'
'Wicked Witch'
'Winsome'
'Wisley Tapestry'

Caring for Coleus

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

All about growing Coleus from seed.
How to prune Coleus plants.

Resources

Wikipedia: List of Coleus Species
Wikipedia: Coleus
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