There are different varieties and interesting hybrids of coleus. Classic yellow and green tones are represented as well as pink and red. Breeders often state the lifespan as one year, but it can also be several years.
Which species of coleus are known?
There are several types of coleus, including "Royal Scott" (burgundy, light green edge), "Crimson Ruffles" (dark purple, pink accents), "Pineapple" (dark red flecks, light green), "Brillancy" (carmine red, delicate yellow edge) and “Golden Bedder” (golden yellow, only with sufficient light).
Take cuttings from your annual coleus in good time, then you can look forward to plants of the same type again next year. Propagation is quite easy and inexpensive. You might also end up with one or two gifts for fellow flower lovers.
What types of coleus are there?
Various varieties of coleus have been bred since around the end of the 19th century. The aim is usually to give the foliage an interesting and perhaps new color. A red-green color variant with more or less jagged leaf edges is often represented. But there are also heart-shaped leaves, like those of the “Lord Falmouth” variety, or golden yellow leaves, which the “Golden Bedder” variety shows in good lighting conditions.
Interesting varieties of coleus:
- “Royal Scott”: wine red with light green leaf edge
- “Crimson Ruffles”: dark purple with pink accents
- “Pineapple”: unusual leaf shape, dark red speckles on very light green
- “Brillancy”: crimson leaves with a delicate yellow edge
- “Golden Bedder”: golden yellow foliage, but only when there is enough light
Caring for coleus species
The coleus species do not differ in terms of care. They all need a lot of water, nutrient-rich soil and good lighting conditions to maintain their interesting foliage color. If a coleus is too dark, its colors will fade quickly. That's why you should choose the location carefully. It can be sunny, but it shouldn't necessarily be in the midday sun, otherwise the coleus will burn easily.
You can use all varieties of coleus as decorative houseplants or plant them in your garden. However, the coleus only feels really comfortable there in summer. It is not hardy and needs to overwinter in a warm environment. She simply cannot deny her origins from warm regions.
Tip
The different colors of coleus can be combined excellently. Why not plant “mixed” pots for your windowsill or balcony.