Overview
Coleus prostratus is a bushy bedding in the genus Coleus, part of the Lamiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Coleus prostratus 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 prostratus is a bushy cultivar of the Coleus genus, which includes annual or perennial herbs and shrubs known for their colourful, soft-textured foliage. This evergreen plant thrives in full sun or partial shade, favouring sheltered, south- or east-facing aspects. It grows well in fertile, moist but well-drained soils of various types and pH levels. Hardy to H1c, it is suitable for patio and container planting, with interest during spring and summer. Propagation can be achieved from seed or softwood cuttings.
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 prostratus 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 prostratus
- 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 prostratus?
Coleus prostratus prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Coleus prostratus need?
Coleus prostratus 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 prostratus hardy in the UK?
Coleus prostratus 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 prostratus?
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)