Solenostemon Limewire

The Coleus Limewire is a variety of Plectranthus with very dark, reddish-brown foliage, marginated with a well-contrasted green band. It has thin, triangular leaves with a border of rounded teeth surrounded by bright green. This variety has moderate vigor and a well-defined upright habit. Coleus plants are frost-sensitive and can be grown as indoor plants or in gardens as annuals to decorate balconies and terraces. They are also particularly appreciated in seasonal compositions and contemporary designs. Their exotic charm has a great impact and they require little maintenance, preferring partial shade in moist soil.

Coléus, also known as Solenostemon and recently renamed Plectranthus, are plants related to basil and nettle. They belong to the mint family, as indicated by their small bilabiate flowers with elongated lower lip, fleshy square stems, and toothed and hairy leaves on the underside. This genus comprises around sixty species of tender perennial shrubs, native to Asia and tropical Africa. Horticulture has produced numerous hybrids and cultivars, including many descendants of Solenostemon scutellarioides.

The Coleus Limewire forms an upright, dense and rounded clump, reaching about 40 cm (16in) in all directions in one season. The leaves are slightly hairy, triangular in shape, with a border of large rounded teeth. The lamina is very dark brown to purple in colour. The flowering, which is late and sporadic in this selection, is discreet. It sometimes appears at the end of the season, in the form of small pale mauve-blue flowers. It is often recommended to remove these flowers so that the plants do not exhaust themselves producing seeds and can maintain generous foliage.

Coleus, sometimes called 'painted nettles' due to their incredibly diverse foliage, are irreplaceable for adding a touch of exoticism to any decor, whether in the garden or indoors, where they can live for several years. They prefer a partially shaded exposure, which can be found on the edge of a bed of tall perennials or shrubs, or in a cool rock garden exposed to the north or east, away from the scorching rays of the sun. They allow for the creation of small mosaic-like beds of colours and pair well with begonias in flower pots. Their range of colours is such that they can be quite difficult to pair with other plants: small ferns like Polypodium or purple misère (Tradescantia pallida) make good companions for Coleus. They also pair particularly well with begonias in flower pots. For Coleus Limewire, consider also using small perennials with a green color reminiscent of its margin, such as Heuchera Lime Marmalade or Carex oshimensis Everillo, for example.

Note: Please be aware that our young plug plants are professional products intended for experienced gardeners: upon receipt, transplant and store them in sheltered locations (greenhouse, cold frame, etc) at a temperature above 14°C (57.2°F) for a few weeks before planting them outdoors once the risk of frost has passed.