Overview
Coleus cataractarum is a bushy bedding in the genus Coleus, part of the Lamiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Coleus cataractarum grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1c. Suggested uses include patio and container plants.
About
Coleus cataractarum is a bushy, evergreen cultivar within the Coleus genus, known for its soft-textured foliage that adds rich colours to garden beds, borders, and containers. As a member of the Lamiaceae family, it thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers a sheltered position with moist but well-drained soil, including chalk, clay, loam, or sand of varying pH. Suitable for patio and container planting, it is hardy under glass (H1c) and is best grown in fertile, well-drained soil. Propagation is straightforward by seed or softwood cuttings, with interest during spring and summer seasons.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Coleus
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1c
Plant details
Coleus cataractarum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bedding, Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Coleus cataractarum
- Propagation
- Seed, Softwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Mealybugs, Scale insects, Glasshouse whitefly
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Coleus cataractarum?
Coleus cataractarum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Coleus cataractarum need?
Coleus cataractarum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Coleus cataractarum hardy in the UK?
Coleus cataractarum has an RHS hardiness rating of H1c, meaning it needs a warm, frost-free position of 5–10°C and is best grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Coleus cataractarum?
Seed, Softwood cuttings.
More in the Coleus genus
- Coleus amboinicus 'Well Sweep Wedgewood' (v)Cuban oregano 'Well Sweep Wedgewood'
- Coleus comosus
- Coleus forsteri 'Marginatus'
- Coleus madagascariensis 'Variegatus'
- Coleus scutellarioides 'Beckwith's Gem'
- Coleus scutellarioides 'City of Middlesbrough' (v)
- Coleus scutellarioides 'Dracula'
- Coleus scutellarioides 'Freckles' (v)