Overview
Coleus madagascariensis 'Variegatus' is a bushy bedding in the genus Coleus, part of the Lamiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Coleus madagascariensis 'Variegatus' 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 madagascariensis 'Variegatus' is a bushy, evergreen cultivar of the Coleus genus, which includes annual or perennial herbs and shrubs known for their soft-textured, colourful foliage. This cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade, favouring sheltered, south- or east-facing aspects. It grows best in fertile, moist but well-drained soils of various types and pH levels, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand. Hardy to UK zone H1c, it is suitable for patio and container planting and is typically of interest during spring and summer. Propagation can be achieved by seed or softwood cuttings.
About the genus
Coleus is a genus of annual or perennial herbs or shrubs, sometimes succulent, sometimes with a fleshy or tuberous rootstock, found in the Afro-Eurasia tropics and subtropics.
Wikipedia contributors, "Coleus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Coleus
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 madagascariensis 'Variegatus' 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 madagascariensis 'Variegatus'
- 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 madagascariensis 'Variegatus'?
Coleus madagascariensis 'Variegatus' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Coleus madagascariensis 'Variegatus' need?
Coleus madagascariensis 'Variegatus' 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 madagascariensis 'Variegatus' hardy in the UK?
Coleus madagascariensis 'Variegatus' 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 madagascariensis 'Variegatus'?
Seed, Softwood cuttings.
