Coleus belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which once included about 150 species. Later, following research, the genus was disbanded, and it became synonymous with Spurflower.
Description of Coleus
Coleus is native to tropical regions and grows in Asian and African forests. Locals use some of its wild species as food. In the wild, it is an annual or perennial plant, most often a shrub up to 50 cm tall. Its most prized asset is its leaves, which come in a variety of colors and patterns. They can have borders, various dots, various spots, stripes, and matte white patterns. Varieties with several contrasting shades are especially beautiful. The flowers are small and inconspicuous.
Coleus has several common names or nicknames, including "nettle" and "poor man's croton." These names are derived from the distinctive shape and color of its leaves, which are especially prized by gardeners.
This undemanding and refined plant is remarkable and original, delighting lovers with its diverse colors. It thrives both indoors and outdoors. It tolerates changes in environment well, is easy to maintain, and grows quickly. Polyhybrid varieties are most often planted.
Types and varieties of coleus
Mixed leaf colors inspired breeders, who focused their efforts on developing unfamiliar varieties and species. Plants with beautiful patterns and diverse color combinations were developed. All the resulting varieties could fill a catalog, their main difference being their color. Only a few have achieved popularity.
Blume
The most common species and the basis for the development of numerous cultivars. This subshrub, up to 80 cm tall, has a ribbed stem, and leaves that resemble an egg with a pointed tip and large, slightly drooping teeth along the edges. About 200 hybrids have been developed, with a wide variety of colors and patterns.
It includes the following varieties:
- Wizard is used in landscape design for borders. Its tiny size allows it to be planted in pots and flowerpots. It grows about 35 cm. It tolerates temporary drought and prolonged exposure to sunlight. Low light results in a reduction in the red color.
- Black Dragon is the most decorative variety, thanks to its dark red or black hue. It is a lush bush with convex leaves and arched contours. Height: 25-30 cm. It prefers good watering, fertilizing, and filtered light. Many signs and superstitions are associated with it.
- Henna is a golden dusting on top and a dark red shade underneath.
Renelta
This trailing variety has long, twining stems up to 50 cm long, slightly drooping. The velvety, heart-shaped leaves have wavy red edges and are edged with pale green and purple veins. Popular varieties include:
- lemon and red Brilliant;
- wavy Butterfly;
- raspberry-burgundy Crimson Ruffles.
Hybrid
This species is popular in indoor gardening and can be grown in the garden. It reaches a height of up to 1 m. The elongated, oval-shaped leaves have serrated edges and change color depending on the amount of light they receive. Shaded areas are green, while bright areas produce a burgundy hue.
These include:
- Fantasy - twisted leaves;
- Weasley - green with a hint of burgundy.
Dwarf
The most compact variety (up to 30 cm) with drooping stems and elongated leaves, most often red. There are several cultivars, differing in shape and color:
- split and corrugated in Firebird;
- folded at The Chief;
- yellow Golden Bedder;
- Burgundy Volcano.
Forskohlii
A low-growing bush, reminiscent of mint in appearance. It has a pleasant green color. It is often used for medicinal purposes.
Pumila
The recumbent stems allow this lush shrub to be shaped in any way. The elongated, heart-shaped leaves are vibrantly colored. It is a trailing variety.
Various hybrid varieties
Suitable for growing indoors or in the garden.
| Name | Peculiarities |
| Cantigny Royale | Characterized by small leaves with a purple tint. |
| Lemon chiffon | Dull green is combined with a pale purple color in the center. |
| Bonnie Gold | Yellowish color and dark red edging. |
| Tilt a Whirl | The swirling, round foliage with a fringed, needle-like edge creates a fantastic appearance. |
| Solar flare | Crimson spots, yellowish mesh and green tint - a very impressive combination. |
| Stormy weather | It owes its name to the riot of colours: yellow, purple and emerald. |
| Fishnet stockings | The oval leaves have dark purple veins, which give them a three-dimensional shape. |
| Pele | The characteristic pistachio color with burgundy inserts, the edges in the form of a beautiful frill. |
| Gilda | Purple center, pink border and yellow stripe along the edge. |
| Faust | Purple color. Grows mainly indoors. |
| Watermelon | Lush bushes with wavy leaves, the color of which resembles a ripe watermelon. |
