Coleus Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Lord Falmouth' (v)
ABOUT
Lord Falmouth is a cultivar of coleus renowned for its striking and colorful foliage. This plant's leaves captivate with a vibrant mix of colors; they showcase a base of deep burgundy or maroon, intricately veined and patterned with splashes or margins of bright green and hints of pink or magenta. Each leaf is uniquely painted with these bold hues, creating a tapestry of shades that can vary depending on light conditions. The leaves themselves have a classic coleus shape: broad, somewhat heart-shaped, with a gently scalloped or sometimes wavy edge, giving the plant an overall lush and ornamental look. The leaves emerge from robust stems that are square in cross-section, a trait characteristic of the coleus family. These stems accent the foliage with their semi-succulent nature, adding to the plant's robust appearance. Additionally, coleus 'Lord Falmouth' may occasionally bloom, sending up spikes of small, less noticeable flowers that are typically snipped to keep the plant's energy focused on maintaining its stunning leaves. Overall, the appearance of coleus 'Lord Falmouth' is highly decorative, making it a popular choice for both outdoor landscaping and indoor plant collections where it provides a continuous display of color without the need for flowering. As the plant matures, the intricacy of its multicolored leaves becomes even more impressive, with the intricate coloration standing out amongst greenery whether planted in garden beds, containers, or hanging baskets.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Coleus, Painted Nettle
Common names
Coleus blumei, Coleus scutellarioides, Plectranthus scutellarioides, Solenostemon blumei.
ToxicityTo humans
Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Lord Falmouth' (v) is commonly known as Coleus. Coleus is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There is no significant evidence to suggest that casual contact or ingestion of small amounts will result in poisoning. However, like many plants, it may cause minor discomfort if ingested in large amounts or if individuals have specific sensitivities or allergies. Symptoms could potentially include an upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea, although such reactions are relatively uncommon.
To pets
Coleus is generally considered to have low toxicity to pets. However, if ingested by animals such as cats and dogs, it could potentially cause minor gastrointestinal irritation. Symptoms of ingestion could include vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive salivation. Most pets will not experience severe poisoning from coleus, but the plant is not intended for consumption, and any ingestion should be monitored to ensure the pet does not have an adverse reaction.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Mixed
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
Southeast Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal - Coleus 'Lord Falmouth' adds vibrant color and unique texture to gardens and landscapes with its visually striking foliage.
- Versatility in Landscaping - This plant can be used in a variety of settings, including borders, containers, and as a bedding plant, offering flexibility in garden design.
- Low Maintenance - Coleus 'Lord Falmouth' is generally easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep to maintain its appearance.
- Shade Tolerance - It performs well in shaded areas where many other colorful plants may not thrive, making it ideal for adding color to darker parts of the garden.
- Complementary Planting - Its unique patterns and colors can complement other plants in the garden, helping to create striking contrasts and combinations.
- Fast Growing - Coleus 'Lord Falmouth' has a rapid growth rate, quickly filling in spaces and providing instant visual impact.
- Heat Tolerance - Despite its preference for shade, this variety of coleus can tolerate heat, which makes it suitable for warm climates.
- Season-Long Color - Coleus provides continuous color throughout the growing season, from spring to frost, without the need for flowers.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Coleus 'Lord Falmouth' can be used as a natural fabric dye, providing unique hues to textiles for creative fashion or craft projects.
- The vibrant leaves can be pressed or laminated to create bookmarks or decorative pieces for scrapbooking and paper crafts.
- They can also be used as a living mulch in gardens, suppressing weeds while adding color and interest among other plants.
- The stems of the coleus can be used in floral arrangements as a foliage accent, adding texture and color to bouquets.
- Coleus leaves can be included in educational activities to teach children about plant biology and leaf structure through hands-on exploration.
- This plant can be used in pet-friendly gardens as a safe and non-toxic visual attraction for pets to interact with.
- Due to its vibrant colors, coleus can be planted in patterns or designs to create natural, outdoor floor art or garden mosaics.
- Coleus can be used as a natural indicator plant for light conditions, as its leaf color often changes intensity based on the amount of sunlight it receives.
- During festive seasons, coleus can be arranged in pots or planters with coordinated colors to enhance holiday-themed decor.
- For photography enthusiasts, coleus 'Lord Falmouth' provides colorful backdrops or subjects for practicing macro and nature photography skills.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Coleus plant is not typically associated with Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Coleus plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Creativity: Coleus, known for its vibrant foliage, is often associated with a burst of creativity and expression due to its intricate and colorful leaves.
- Uniqueness: Its variety of patterns and colors symbolizes uniqueness, celebrating individuality and diversity.
- Flexibility: Coleus can adapt to various light conditions, symbolizing flexibility and the ability to adjust in different situations.
WaterFor the Coleus 'Lord Falmouth', you should keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which could be about once a week, but this can vary based on environmental conditions. Use room-temperature water and gently pour it directly onto the soil until it begins to run out of the drainage holes, usually totaling about one to two gallons per month for a medium-sized plant. Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water, and reduce watering frequency in winter months when the plant is not actively growing.
LightColeus 'Lord Falmouth' thrives best in bright, indirect sunlight. It should be placed in a location where it receives plenty of light but is shielded from direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves. A spot near an east or west-facing window with a sheer curtain is ideal to filter the intense rays while providing the needed light exposure.
TemperatureThe Coleus 'Lord Falmouth' prefers temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit but can tolerate a range from 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It should not be subjected to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit as it is sensitive to cold. The ideal conditions for this plant are typical indoor temperatures, avoiding drafts and sudden temperature changes.
PruningPrune Coleus 'Lord Falmouth' periodically to encourage bushy growth and prevent legginess. Pinching back the tips of the stems can be done every few weeks during the growing season. The best time to prune more significantly is early in the spring, before new growth starts. Regularly removing spent flowers will also help to maintain the plant's vibrant foliage.
CleaningAs needed
SoilColeus 'Lord Falmouth' thrives in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. A peat-based potting mix with perlite or sand added for improved drainage is ideal. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingColeus 'Lord Falmouth' should be repotted every year or when it outgrows its current pot to ensure continued growth and to replenish nutrients in the soil.
Humidity & MistingColeus 'Lord Falmouth' prefers a high humidity environment, ideally between 40-70%. Mist regularly or use a humidity tray to maintain these levels for healthy growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep Coleus 'Lord Falmouth' in bright, indirect light; avoid direct sun.
Outdoor
Plant Coleus 'Lord Falmouth' in partial shade and shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cycleSolenostemon scutellarioides 'Lord Falmouth', commonly known as Coleus 'Lord Falmouth', begins its life as a seed that germinates in warm, moist soil within a week or two under optimal conditions. Once sprouted, the seedling grows rapidly, producing characteristic colorful foliage that can vary based on light exposure, with brighter light intensifying leaf colors. As an herbaceous perennial, it enters a vegetative stage where it develops a robust stem and branching pattern, though it is often grown as an annual in temperate climates. Coleus 'Lord Falmouth' may produce small, less noticeable flowers during the summer, which are typically pinched off to encourage more vigorous foliage growth and a fuller plant form. The plant can be propagated easily from stem cuttings, which root readily in water or soil, often used to create new plants before the cooler fall temperatures cause the parent plant to die back if left outside. In non-tropical climates, coleus can overwinter indoors before being returned outside or propagated again in the spring, thus continuing its lifecycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
The most popular method of propagating Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Lord Falmouth', commonly known as Coleus, is through stem cuttings. This can be done almost any time of the year, but the best time is during the warmer months when the plant is actively growing. Select a healthy stem that is about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long with several leaf nodes and cut just below a node. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting to prevent rot and insert the stem into a pot filled with moistened potting mix. To enhance rooting, you can dip the end of the cutting into a rooting hormone before planting. Keep the soil moist and maintain a warm environment, ideally between 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit (21-24 degrees Celsius), and within a few weeks, the cuttings should develop roots and start to grow.
