Coleus, Flame Nettle, Painted Nettle 'Kong Scarlet'

Coleus scutellarioides

Family
Lamiaceae (lay-mee-AY-see-ee)
Genus
Coleus (KO-lee-us)
Species
scutellarioides (skew-tell-ar-ee-OH-ih-deez)
Synonym
Solenostemon scutellarioides
Sun Exposure
Full Shade
Foliage
Grown for foliage
Height
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
Spacing
12-15 in. (30-38 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Danger
N/A
Bloom Color
Inconspicuous/none
Bloom Time
N/A
Other Details
Category
Annuals
Tropicals and Tender Perennials
Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Can be grown as an annual
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
5.6 to 6.0 (acidic)
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
From herbaceous stem cuttings
Seed Collecting
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
N/A: plant does not set seed, flowers are sterile, or plants will not come true from seed
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Brea, California

Clayton, California

Bartow, Florida

Jacksonville, Florida

Divernon, Illinois

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Springfield, Missouri

Bucyrus, Ohio

North Augusta, South Carolina

Springdale, Utah

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Featured Videos

Gardener's Notes:

5
positives
0
neutral
1
negative
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V
(Zone 8a) | June 2021 | positive

I love the Kong series coleus. I will plant 1 in a large pot and trim the lower leaves to form a mini tree, then plant low growing annu...Read More

B
Springfield, MO | October 2006 | negative

I bought this plant at Walmart for $1... I should have known, I think I bought a diseased plant, or I am doing something wrong, my leaves...Read More

R
Red Wing, MN | May 2006 | positive

I love this plant! It is a must have on my list of annuals each year. It just brings so much color to the shady spots! It looks great in ...Read More

S
Taylor Creek, FL (Zone 10a) | January 2005 | positive

WOW, what a performer! This plant was about 3' tall and will root from cuttings quickly. I pinched off buds everytime I passed it all d...Read More

J
J
Divernon, IL (Zone 5b) | November 2004 | positive

Look good massed together; can surpass 2' height,

H
Northern California, CA | July 2004 | positive

These coleus boast extremely large leaves, generally the size of your hand. Five unique color patterns include Kong Mosaic a Fantastic F...Read More

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