Coleus Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Roy Pedley' (v)
ABOUT
The Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Roy Pedley' (v), commonly known as Coleus, is a visually striking plant well-regarded for its colorful foliage. The leaves of this Coleus variety exhibit vibrant patterns and a rich interplay of colors. Each leaf is a unique canvas, typically showcasing a mix of deep burgundy and green hues. The centers of the leaves tend to feature a deep red or magenta tone, which then blends outwards into shades of bright lime green or chartreuse edging. The leaves themselves have a distinct shape, with scalloped or toothed edges that contribute to the plant's ornamental appeal. The texture of the foliage is also worth noting, with a somewhat velvety or fuzzy feel when touched. The contrast of colors within the leaves of the 'Roy Pedley' variety makes it a favorite among gardeners and a stand-out specimen for both indoor and outdoor decorative displays. The arrangement of the leaves is dense and bushy, creating a lush, textured appearance throughout the plant. The Coleus' overall aesthetic can add visual interest to any garden space, container planting, or indoor setting, as it serves as an excellent complement to other plants or can stand on its own as a centerpiece due to its showy appearance.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae.
Synonyms
Coleus, Painted Nettle.
Common names
Coleus blumei, Coleus scutellarioides, Coleus verschaffeltii, Plectranthus scutellarioides.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Roy Pedley', commonly known as Coleus, is not known for being significantly toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, consuming parts of Coleus may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms such as diarrhea or stomach pain in some people. It's always best to avoid eating ornamental plants due to potential individual sensitivities or the presence of pesticides.
To pets
The plant Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Roy Pedley', commonly known as Coleus, can be toxic to pets if ingested. Cats and dogs may experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, depression, anorexia, and occasionally, excessive drooling or salivation. It's important to prevent your pets from chewing on or ingesting this plant to avoid these potential negative health effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Mixed
Height
1-3 feet (30-91 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-61 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
Southeast Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color and textural interest to gardens and indoor spaces.
- Versatility: Can be used in a variety of settings, including borders, containers, and hanging baskets.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
- Heat Tolerance: Thrives in hot conditions, which is perfect for warm climates.
- Shade Tolerance: Can grow in shaded areas where other plants might not thrive.
- Fast Growing: Quickly achieves full size, providing rapid coverage or color in garden designs or interiors.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Coleus 'Roy Pedley' can be used in terrariums for a vibrant touch of color and to create a miniature landscape atmosphere.
- The bright foliage of coleus adds visual interest to mixed media art pieces, like nature-inspired collages or paintings.
- They can be grown as a temporary festive decoration during the holiday seasons for their bright, colorful leaves.
- When placed in decorative pots, coleus serves as a living piece of decor at events such as weddings or parties.
- Coleus leaves can be used in educational settings to teach about leaf variegation, plant care, and propagation.
- These plants can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, providing shades of green depending on the process.
- In photography, coleus can be used as a background subject to enhance the composition with its colorful foliage.
- Coleus can be used as a visual aid for color theory demonstration due to the variety of hues found in its leaves.
- By planting coleus in public spaces, they can be utilized for urban beautification projects.
- They can be used in conjunction with Feng Shui principles to add an element of wood energy and to balance a space aesthetically.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Coleus plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Coleus plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant SymbolismUnfortunately, Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Roy Pedley' (v), commonly known as Coleus, does not have a widely recognized specific list of symbolic meanings due to its primary use as an ornamental plant. Unlike flowers such as roses or lilies that have well-documented symbolism, the Coleus is more appreciated for its diverse foliage and colorful patterns. It's generally associated with the following themes due to its appearance and characteristics, but keep in mind that these meanings can be subjective and less standardized than those of many flowers:
- Beauty and Aesthetics: Coleus is often indicative of a person's appreciation for beauty, given its vibrant colors and unique leaf patterns.
- Uniqueness: The variety of patterns and colors in Coleus foliage can symbolize the uniqueness and individuality of a person or situation.
- Innovation: The ability of the Coleus to adapt to both indoor and outdoor environments may symbolize flexibility and innovation.
WaterWater Coleus 'Roy Pedley' thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, approximately once a week, but frequency can vary depending on environmental conditions like temperature and humidity. Each watering should be deep enough to soak the soil; for a medium-sized plant, this might equate to around 16-24 ounces of water. Always check the soil moisture before watering to avoid overwatering, and during hotter months, the plant might require more frequent watering, while in cooler months, it might need less.
LightColeus 'Roy Pedley' thrives best in bright, indirect sunlight. It can tolerate some direct morning sun, but intense direct afternoon sunlight should be avoided as it can scorch the leaves. A spot that receives filtered sunlight, such as near an east-facing window with sheer curtains, is ideal for this vibrant plant.
TemperatureFor Coleus 'Roy Pedley', the ideal temperature range lies between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant can survive minimum temperatures no lower than 50 degrees and maximum temperatures up to 90 degrees, but prolonged exposure outside of its comfort zone can lead to stress.
PruningPruning Coleus 'Roy Pedley' encourages bushier growth and prevents legginess. It's best to prune in the spring and throughout the growing season by pinching off the tips of growing stems. Regular trimming of spent flowers and any overly long stems can be done as needed to maintain the plant's shape.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Coleus 'Roy Pedley' prefers a rich, well-draining soil mix consisting of two parts peat moss, one part perlite, and one part potting soil. The ideal soil pH for Coleus should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingColeus 'Roy Pedley' should be repotted every 1 to 2 years or when it outgrows its current pot. Spring is the best time for repotting to allow the plant to establish in its new container.
Humidity & MistingColeus 'Roy Pedley' thrives in high humidity environments, ideally between 40% to 70%. Mist the leaves regularly or use a humidifier to maintain the proper humidity level.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Bright, indirect light and warmth are key for indoor Coleus growth.
Outdoor
Coleus 'Roy Pedley' needs shade to partial sun, and warm temps.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Coleus 'Roy Pedley' begins with seed germination, typically in warm and moist soil conditions, where light is required for successful sprouting. After germination, the seedling develops its first set of true leaves and continues to grow, showing the variegated and colorful foliage characteristic to this cultivar. During the vegetative stage, the plant experiences rapid growth and requires pinching or cutting back to encourage bushiness and prevent early flowering. When mature, if not pinched back, it may produce small, insignificant flowers on spikes, though Coleus is primarily grown for its foliage and not its flowers. After flowering, seeds can develop if pollinators are present or if self-pollination occurs, completing the reproductive cycle. The plant is generally treated as an annual, but can be overwintered indoors or propagated via stem cuttings to maintain genetics, thus bypassing the seed stage for continued growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
The Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Roy Pedley', commonly known as Coleus 'Roy Pedley', can be propagated easily through stem cuttings. This is the most popular method due to its simplicity and high success rate. Cuttings can be taken during the growing season, usually in spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing. You should select a healthy stem about 4 to 6 inches long, snipping just below a leaf node, where there is a concentration of hormones to encourage root growth. Remove the lower leaves to prevent decay and submerge the cut end in water or a moist potting mix. Within a couple of weeks, the cutting should develop roots, at which point it can be transplanted to a pot with fresh potting soil. It's important to keep the soil consistently moist and provide bright, indirect light to facilitate the rooting process.
