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This information is provided as a free service to viewers. We do not sell these plants.
Overview
Coleus scutellarioides syn Plectranthus scutellarioides, otherwise known as the Coleus is a bushy perennial with pointed oval leaves and serrated edges that are vibrantly colourful being a contrasting mix of cream, green, gold, red and yellow.
It has small, mauve flowers in summer that are very similar to nettle flowers, but are relatively insignificant - being almost exclusively grown for their spectacular foliage.
Being tender tropicals they prefer warmer, moist climates and will not stand frosts. As such they are often grown as annuals as they rarely survive a cold winter's night. However if you can take them indoors over winter then they will reward with further growth next summer.
They do best in semi-shade but some will handle larger amounts of direct sunshine - generally the more dark red in the leaf, the better the tolerance for sun.
Soil: Moist, rich, well drained soils with plenty of added humus. They like their soils to be warm and are not happy in very dry conditions.
Coleus are often grown in pots, making an excellent, colourful addition to patios and courtyards.
Maintenance: Pinch out the flowers in order to get better foliage.
Liquid feed in spring and summer.
Diseases: Slugs, snails and caterpillars.
Downy mildew is the most common disease of Coleus
Whitefly and mealybugs can be a bother under glass.
Other Species: 60 species in the Solenostemon genus.
The Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit has been awarded to these cultivars:-
'Crimson Ruffles'
'Lord Falmouth'
'Picturatus'
'Pineapple Beauty'
'Pineapplette'
'Royal Scot'
'Walter Turner'
'Wisley Tapestry'
Comments: Often seen as street pantings in Singapore and Thailand.
The leaves are said to have some mild psychoactive effects, either chewed or smoked, but evidence seems to be thin and inconclusive.
Author: Bob Saunders.
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Here we list businesses who usually sell this plant.
Online Retailers
Dawsons Garden World
Serving Perth gardeners for over 100 years, Dawsons have four Perth locations and provide on-line sales.
Delivery to: WA
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Gardenarium
Based in South Australia, specialising in mainstream, rare and unusual perennial plants along with roses and ornamental trees.
Delivery to: ACT,NSW,NT,QLD,SA,VIC,WA
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Local Retailers
SA |
Mount Gambier:
Gardenarium |
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WA |
Perth - all suburbs:
Dawsons Garden World |
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