Coleus

Solenostemon scutellarioides (L.) Codd. and hybrids

soal-en-oh-STEE-mon  scut-el-air-ee-OID-ees

Lamiaceae

Explanation of name: Generic name from Greek, solen, tube, and stemon, in reference to basally connate stamens. The specific epithet means shield-shaped, from Latin scutum, shield.

Synonyms: Coleus blumei Benth., C. scutellarioides (L.) Benth.

Natural range: Asia

Recognition: Familiar mints with colorful patterend foliage. Differs from Plectranthus by having the stamens connate

Landscape uses: Mass plantings, borders, clumps, containers. Fast-growing and generally not long-lasting

Note: WU2 lists Coleus pumilus Blanco from the Philippines as escaped from cultivation in Florida.

"Garden Guru" article on Coleus by G. Rogers:

Planting my summer annuals today was a time to savor yet again the rainbow known as Coleus.  These are among the most popular, easiest-growing, colorful plants to brighten the garden world.   These mints known botanically as Solenostemon scutellarioides owe the name "Coleus" to the Greek word koleos, sheath, referring to details of the floral structure.  Coleus has decorated gardens, windowsills, hanging baskets, and indoor spaces north and south for well over a century.  Native to the East Indies, the plants caught on in Europe and the U.S. during the Victorian Period when it was fashionable to use colorful plants in masses to create geometric patterns much like painting by numbers.  Coleus was the perfect "paint," and they are still with us for all the right reasons. 

The thousands of named selections range from near-black to near-yellow and come in small, medium, large, smooth, crinkly, puffy, oval, toothy, and lobed.

Coleus serves as a summer "annual" in Florida, although the selections vary in tolerance for heat and sun, and some suffer here.  Rising to the challenge, plant breeder P. J. Klinger of the Lake Brantley Plant Corporation starting in 1999 bred Coleus cultivars able to stand up to Florida summers. The results have names of cities, such as Yulee (compact, near-black), Micanopy (bright red and green), Yalaha (mixed colors), and several others.  Additionally, the Stained Glass Series from California includes the showy Tilt-a-Whirl Coleus (with flame colors).  The Kong Series features large-foliage, bright red foliage patterns, and a penchant for shade. The Ducksfoot Series has broad short leaves with reddish or purplish hues. The top three favorites internationally are Palisandra (purple), Copper Queen (coppery), and Limelight (day glow yellow- green). Bada Bing is an attention getter having leaves with shocking pink centers surrounded by a purple ring, and a lime green border.

Most Coleus plants develop the best color in ample dappled light with protection, although some prefer serious shade and others bask in the sun.  Certain sunny types are sold as "Sun Coleus" or as "Supersun" Coleus, including the tough Burgundy Sun. 

When thirsty, Coleus wilts quickly, making it a fine canary-in-the-mineshaft for the rest of the garden.  The roots must be moist. The shape may become spindly with time. Counter that with pinching to promote bushy growth.  Most grow from seed, some of these staying true to their original colors.  Propagation using rooted cuttings, however, is easier and is guaranteed to preserve the parental colors.

Coleus is in that category of time-tested wonders too good ever to fall from fashion, along with banana splits, bloodhounds, and camel hair coats.  Every gardener "discovers" Coleus just like a kid discovering crayons.