Plectranthus / Coleus

species, hybrids and cultivars

These are two similar genera. Many species have moved between these at various times as taxonomists try to sort the group out, resulting in many synonyms. Recently a lot of garden Plectranthus were moved to Coleus but may still be sold under the old names.

The two genera contains a plethora of species grown for ornamental purposes, usually for the foliage but sometimes the flowers are also a feature.

The colourful bedding plant commonly called coleus (Coleus scutellarioides) has a separate page: Coleus (bedding plant). This page will look at other Coleus species that might be grown in Queensland in addition to Plectranthus

Coleus neochilus

The following plants have been tentatively identified as Coleus neochilus (formerly Plectranthus neochilus), although its likely they were sold as Coleus caninus or Coleus canina for their supposed cat or dog repellent properties.

 

Coleus australis

This Australian native was previously known as Plectranthus parviflorus. The variegated cultivar called 'Blue Spires' is an attractive garden plant.

  

More species and images will be added over time. However, due to the decline of online advertising and the rise of content appropriation by AI bots, there won't be much more written information added here in the foreseeable future. High quality content is now being saved for the email publication Get Results Gardening. if you live in Australia and would like to see a copy of the 10-11-23 edition, which contained an article about Coleus neochilus, ask for it in the body of your email message when you request a free trial. More information here: calyx.com.au/getresultsgardening.html

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