Coleus blumei — painted nettle
Coleus blumei is the botanical name long used for the painted nettle, the brilliant foliage plant grown for leaves rather than flowers. It is the species behind our coleus range within the flower seed collection.
History & origin
Native to Southeast Asia, coleus has been bred for generations into an astonishing palette of leaf colours and patterns. Its tropical roots explain its love of warmth and dislike of cold, and its happiness in the dappled light of the forest floor.
The names point to leaf and lineage: Coleus comes from the Greek koleos, “sheath,” describing how the stamens are joined around the style; blumei honours the botanist Carl Ludwig Blume.
Botanical characteristics
A tender perennial grown as an annual, Coleus blumei forms bushy, square-stemmed plants clothed in velvety, often serrated leaves splashed, edged and veined in lime, chartreuse, burgundy, pink, bronze and near-black. The small blue flower spikes are usually pinched out to keep the focus on the foliage, making it a standout among shade-friendly ornamental flowers and a favourite for containers.
Growing Coleus blumei from seed
Sow under cover in spring, pressing the fine seed onto the surface as it needs light and warmth to germinate. Plant out only after the last frost into rich, moist soil in part shade, pinch the tips regularly to keep plants bushy, and remove flower spikes as they form. Our flower growing guide and flower sowing calendar cover the timing.
Ready to grow coleus? Browse the varieties or learn the basics first.
Related categories: Coleus · Container Flowers · Ornamental Flowers · Annual Flowers · All Flower Seeds
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What is Coleus blumei?It is the botanical name long used for the painted nettle, a tender foliage plant grown as an annual for its brilliantly coloured leaves.
Is coleus grown for its flowers?No — it is grown for its foliage; the small blue flower spikes are usually pinched out to keep the leaves at their best.
When should I sow Coleus blumei seeds?Sow under cover in spring, pressing seed onto the surface as it needs light and warmth. See our
flower sowing calendar for timing.
Does coleus prefer sun or shade?It is happiest in part shade with rich, moist soil, making it valuable where many flowers struggle.
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