Annuals & Biennials

Coleus
flame nettle

Height 1/2-11/2 ft (15-45 cm)
Planting distance 1 ft (30 cm)
Foliage plant
Moisture-retentive soil
Sunny site or dappled shade
Tender perennial grown as annual

Coleus blumei (now reclassified as Solenostemon) and its cultivars are valued for their colorful foliage - nettlelike leaves in various shades and patterns of green, yellow, red, and maroon. Though most commonly grown as indoor pot plants, they look equally effective in formal beds and containers outdoors, where they provide a splendid setting for summer-flowering plants. The flowers - tiny blue or white tubular bells - are best removed as soon as buds form, to encourage bushy foliage.

Popular species and cultivars
The following popular cultivars have been developed from Coleus (Solenostemon) blumei. Some are in single colors; others are sold as mixtures.
'Dragon' is a mixture with large serrated leaves in reds and maroons edged with gold. It reached 1 ft (30 cm) high.
'Fairway' has delicate foliage on 8-10 in (20-25 cm) high, neatly growing plants. Its distinct colors come in various combinations.
'Fashion Parade' has elongated or deeply lobed, fringed or serrated leaves in shades of pink, gold, jade, and scarlet. It grows to 1 ft (30 cm) high.
'Milky Way' is a dwarf cultivar, to 6 in (15 cm) tall, with deeply cut leaves in either vivid or pale colors. It is suitable for window boxes and small pots.
'Mini Coral' is tiny, up to 6 in (15 cm) high and wide, with a well-balanced shape and various leaf color combinations.
'Molten Lava' has black and carmine leaves and reaches 9-12 in (23-30 cm) high.
'Pineapple Beauty' has yellow-green leaves with rich maroon markings. It reaches 1-11/2 ft (30-45 cm) high.
'Rainbow' comes in a wide range of bright, rich foliage colors. It is a tall cultivar, reaching 11/2 ft (45 cm) high.
'Rose Wizard' grows 10-12 in (25-30 cm) high and has foliage in shades of cream, bright green, and pink. It is good for hanging baskets.
'Scarlet Poncho' has maroon leaves with lemon-yellow edging. Its cascading habit makes it an excellent cultivar for hanging baskets. The plant reach 1 ft (30 cm) high.
'Wizard hybrids' are mixture of free-branching cultivars, up to 1 ft (30 cm) high, in a range of bright colors. The shoots do not need to be pinched.

Annuals
and
Biennials