Coleus Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Crimson Ruffles' (v)
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as 'Crimson Ruffles' is known for its vivid and ornamental foliage that grabs attention in any garden space. The leaves are the most striking feature, flaunting a kaleidoscope of colors that primarily focus on deep crimson and burgundy tones. Each leaf is uniquely textured with a ruffled, crinkly edge that adds to its overall plush appearance. The leaves' texture contrasts beautifully with their velvet-like sheen, giving the plant an almost luminous quality in the right light. This particular variety tends to have a more intensely colored palette, with the edges of the leaves sometimes outlined in a brighter shade, often a hint of green or yellow, creating a magnificent color contrast that further accentuates the ruffled margins. These colors can become more intense or alter depending on the light exposure, adding to the dynamic nature of 'Crimson Ruffles.' The overall appearance of the plant is lush and vibrant, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to add a splash of color to their surroundings without the maintenance of flowers. Its richly colored leaves provide a lasting visual impact throughout its growing season.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Coleus, Painted Nettle, Flame Nettle.
Common names
Coleus blumei 'Crimson Ruffles', Coleus blumei var. verschaffeltii 'Crimson Ruffles', Coleus hybridus 'Crimson Ruffles', Coleus verschaffeltii 'Crimson Ruffles', Plectranthus scutellarioides 'Crimson Ruffles'.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Solenostemon scutellarioides is Coleus. Coleus is not considered toxic to humans. However, it is always recommended to avoid ingesting plants that are not intended for consumption as they could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset or an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Coleus is considered to be mildly toxic to pets, such as cats and dogs. If ingested, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. The toxicity is due to certain compounds in the plant that can be irritating to pets. It is best to keep this plant out of reach of your animals to avoid these potential symptoms.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Variegated
Height
1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
Southeast Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: The 'Crimson Ruffles' variety of Coleus boasts ruffled, vibrant crimson leaves that add striking color to gardens and landscapes.
- Shade Tolerance: Coleus thrives in shaded areas, making it a great choice for adding color to darker parts of gardens where other plants may struggle.
- Easy Propagation: The plant can be easily propagated from cuttings, allowing gardeners to create more plants for use in various settings without additional cost.
- Low Maintenance: Coleus, including 'Crimson Ruffles', generally requires minimal care, making it suitable for busy gardeners.
- Versatility: Suitable for container gardening, hanging baskets, and as bedding plants, Coleus 'Crimson Ruffles' can be used in a variety of ways in the garden and home.
- Instant Impact: These plants grow relatively quickly and provide instant visual impact with their lush foliage and rich colors.
- Complementary: Coleus can be paired with other plants to create visually appealing combinations in the garden, thanks to its richly colored leaves.
- Season-Long Color: Coleus 'Crimson Ruffles' provides long-lasting color from spring till frost, enhancing the aesthetic value of a space throughout the growing season.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Container Gardening: Coleus 'Crimson Ruffles' can add a dramatic splash of color to mixed container plantings, complementing both flowers and foliage plants.
- Bonsai: With its versatile form, coleus can be trained as a bonsai for a unique display of colorful foliage.
- Fairy Gardens: The vibrant leaves of Coleus 'Crimson Ruffles' can create a whimsical backdrop in miniature fairy garden landscapes.
- Crafts: Leaves of the coleus can be pressed and used in decorative crafts such as handmade paper or leaf-casting projects.
- Photography: The intricate patterns and deep hues of Coleus 'Crimson Ruffles' make it a stunning subject for botanical photography.
- Edging: Coleus can be planted as an edging plant in garden beds, where its ruffled foliage contrasts well with green grass or pavement.
- Education: Educators can use coleus in teaching about plant propagation, as it easily roots from cuttings, demonstrating plant vegetative reproduction.
- Mosaic Foliage Displays: The colorful leaves can be arranged in patterns to create a living mosaic in the garden or on vertical plant walls.
- Culinary Garnish: Though not a common use, the colorful coleus foliage could be used as a non-toxic decorative garnish for special dishes in culinary presentations.
- Seasonal Decor: During autumn, coleus can be added to harvest-themed arrangements and centerpieces, since the foliage can mimic autumn leaves.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Coleus plant, known for its colorful foliage, can be used in Feng Shui to add energy to a space due to its vibrant colors. It is beneficial when placed in the Wealth corner (southeast) of a home or office to activate prosperity or in the south to enhance fame and recognition. However, as the leaves have pointed shapes, it is important to balance this with rounded leaf plants to maintain harmony.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Coleus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Creativity: The vibrant colors and ruffled foliage of Coleus 'Crimson Ruffles' often represent a sense of creativity and artistic expression.
- Transformation: Coleus can symbolize transformation due to its ability to change color intensity with varying light conditions, reminding us of adaptability and change.
- Diversity: With its wide variety of hues and patterns, Coleus 'Crimson Ruffles' reflects diversity, encouraging tolerance and acceptance of differences.
- Confidence: The bold and intense crimson color of this Coleus cultivar might symbolize confidence and assertiveness, inspiring people to stand out and be proud of their uniqueness.
WaterColeus 'Crimson Ruffles' prefers consistently moist soil, so it should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Depending on the environment, this might mean watering the plant approximately once a week. However, the frequency can vary with the seasons, requiring more frequent watering during hot, dry periods and less during cooler, damp conditions. It's crucial not to let the soil become soggy, so ensure good drainage. Aim to provide about 8-16 ounces of water each time for a medium-sized pot, adjusting as needed for the size of your plant and pot.
LightColeus 'Crimson Ruffles' thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct morning sun. The most suitable spot for this plant would be in an area that receives plenty of light without the harsh midday and afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves. East-facing windowsills are ideal spots, providing the necessary conditions for vibrant foliage.
TemperatureColeus 'Crimson Ruffles' prefers a warm environment and does best when indoor temperatures range between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimally at temperatures down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit but should be kept away from drafts and abrupt temperature changes. This coleus cultivar's ideal temperature range ensures vibrant foliage and good health.
PruningColeus 'Crimson Ruffles' can be pruned to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Prune as needed by pinching off the tips of the stems, especially when the plant begins to flower, to keep it compact and lush. The best time for pruning is in the spring and throughout the summer, tapering off as the plant slows down in the fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilColeus 'Crimson Ruffles' prefers a well-draining, fertile potting mix with peat moss or coco coir base. For optimal growth, mix in perlite or vermiculite for aeration and maintain a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingColeus 'Crimson Ruffles' should be repotted annually into fresh soil to replenish nutrients and accommodate growth, typically in the spring before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingColeus 'Crimson Ruffles' thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 40% and 70%. This helps maintain its vibrant foliage colors and overall health.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and consistent moisture for indoor Coleus.
Outdoor
Plant in part shade, shelter from strong winds, and keep soil moist for outdoor Coleus.
Hardiness zone
Coleus 'Crimson Ruffles' is suitable for 10-11 USDA zones.
Life cycleColeus 'Crimson Ruffles' (Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Crimson Ruffles' (v)) begins its life as a seed, which, when sown in warm, well-draining soil and provided with adequate moisture and light, will germinate within a week to 3 weeks. From the germinated seed, a seedling emerges, which will develop its first true leaves distinct in their ruffled, crimson appearance, after the initial set of embryonic leaves, or cotyledons. As the seedling grows, it enters the vegetative stage, producing a bushy array of colorful foliage, which can be further encouraged with regular pinching to promote branching. The plant may produce small, less significant flowers usually during the late summer, but Coleus is primarily grown for its vivid foliage and the flowers are often pinched off to maintain foliage vibrancy. If left to set seed, the plant may enter a reproductive phase, yet many gardeners will propagate Coleus 'Crimson Ruffles' through cuttings, which root easily, ensuring genetic consistency. Over time, without proper care, the plant may become leggy and less attractive, at which point it is usually pruned hard or replaced, completing its lifecycle through either seed dispersal or vegetative propagation.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Crimson Ruffles', commonly known as Coleus 'Crimson Ruffles', is best propagated through stem cuttings. This method is popular due to its high success rate and the speed at which new plants can be established. To propagate Coleus 'Crimson Ruffles', a stem cutting approximately 4-6 inches long is taken from a healthy parent plant using a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears. The lower leaves are removed, leaving a few leaves at the top of the cutting. The stem is then dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development and planted into a moist potting mix. The pot with the cutting should be kept in indirect light and at a consistent temperature of around 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 24 degrees Celsius), with the soil kept consistently moist but not soggy. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new Coleus plant can be transplanted.
