About
Coleus amboinicus is a perennial plant that remains green year-round and can reach a height of up to 30 cm. It features thick, soft leaves with finely toothed edges, which emit a strong fragrance and serve as a culinary herb. This plant thrives in a cool or temperate greenhouse environment or can be cultivated indoors as a houseplant.
About the genus
This genus consists of annual or perennial herbs and shrubs, with some species exhibiting succulent or tuberous characteristics. They are among the simplest plants to propagate. The soft-textured foliage contributes rich colors, including red, pink, green, and purple, enhancing garden beds, borders, and container arrangements.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1B
Plant details
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical, Hanging basket
- Native to
- Africa, Asia
- Fragrance
- Foliage
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Under glass, grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light, with shade from hot sun. During growth, water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water moderately in winter. Plants can be moved outdoors during summer
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by cuttings at any time of year
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free