Coleus

Coleus Overview

After a recent study of the evolutionary development of these plants (phylogenetic), NATAG (RHS Nomenclature and Taxonomy Advisory Group) announced in the March 2021 edition of The Plant Review that Pycnostachys and Solenostemon genus have been transferred to Coleus, along with some species from Isodon and Plectranthus. Solenostemon was a genus of 60 species of evergreen perennials, commonly grown as pot plants for their colourful often variegated foliage. Leaves are typically opposite, toothed, and often hairy - with variegated forms having freckled, banded patterns of pink, red, yellow, purple, brown or cream colours. Tiny, tubular, 2-lipped flowers may be borne throughout the year. Cultivated varieties can be grown outside in the summer in a sheltered position, or all year round inside.