About
Coleus thyrsoideus is a lush evergreen perennial characterized by its heart-shaped leaves, which feature rounded teeth and can reach lengths of up to 10 cm. In winter, it produces slender spikes adorned with small blue flowers measuring around 1 cm.
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
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial, Houseplants
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants
- Native to
- S Trop. Africa
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow under glass in areas prone to frost; may be grown outside in the summer. Use a peat-free John Innes No 2 compost and position in dappled shade. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser once a month and water freely. In winter much less water is required
- Pruning
- Pinch out tips of young plants to encourage bushy growth
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed in temperatures of 19-24°C (66-75°F) when they are ripe. Can also be propagated by softwood cuttings any time of year
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free