Coleus Scutellarioides "Flame Nettle" 15cmPot

Botanical Name: Coleus scutellarioides

Common Names: Coleus, Painted Nettle, Flame Nettle, Red Coleus

📌 Product Description

Coleus scutellarioides is a vibrant ornamental foliage plant grown for its striking colourful leaves rather than its flowers. Red coleus varieties feature bold shades of crimson, copper, burgundy, and deep red, often with darker veins and textured edges.

The plant forms a compact, bushy shape and produces lush foliage that adds instant colour to shaded garden beds, patios, and container displays. Its vivid foliage creates strong contrast when combined with green plants or flowering annuals.

Fast growing and easy to maintain, coleus is a popular warm-season ornamental in South African gardens and performs especially well in partially shaded areas.

📏 Size When Fully Grown

Height: 30 – 60 cm
Spread: 30 – 50 cm
Growth Habit: Bushy ornamental foliage plant
Growth Rate: Fast

🌱 Best Growing Conditions

Light: Partial shade to bright indirect light (morning sun is tolerated)
Soil: Well-draining fertile soil rich in organic matter
Water:

• Keep soil evenly moist
• Avoid allowing soil to dry out completely
• Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot

Feeding: Apply a balanced fertiliser every few weeks during active growth to encourage lush foliage.

Maintenance:

• Pinch growing tips to encourage bushier growth
• Remove flower spikes to maintain strong leaf colour
• Easy to propagate from stem cuttings

🌦️ Planting & Growing Season (South Africa)

Best Planting Time: Spring to early summer
Active Growth: Spring and summer
Seasonal Use: Often grown as a warm-season ornamental
Climate Suitability: Suitable for most South African regions during warm seasons
Frost Tolerance: Sensitive to frost; protect or grow as a seasonal plant in colder areas

🌼 Additional Benefits

• Bold colourful foliage
• Fast-growing ornamental plant
• Excellent container plant
• Easy to propagate
• Brightens shaded areas

🌿 Ideal Uses

✔ Container planting
✔ Patio and balcony displays
✔ Shaded garden beds
✔ Border planting
✔ Mixed foliage arrangements