Coleus Solenostemon 'Wisley Flame'
ABOUT
The Solenostemon 'Wisley Flame', commonly known as Coleus, is a visually striking plant known for its vibrant foliage. This plant features leaves that come in a tapestry of colors, making it a vivid and attractive addition to any garden or container planting. Each leaf is a work of art, with a unique combination of hues. The leaves of the 'Wisley Flame' are typically patterned with a rich blend of warm colors. The primary color of the foliage is a deep reddish-purple, reminiscent of smoldering embers. This deep base color is often accentuated with splashes of brighter red or fiery orange, giving the impression of flickering flames. Adding to the complexity of color, some leaves may also have edges or veins highlighted in a golden yellow or lime green, providing a striking contrast to the darker tones. The overall shape of the leaves can be described as broadly oval or heart-shaped, often with a somewhat frilly or scalloped edge, adding to their decorative appeal. The texture of the leaves is typically soft and somewhat velvety, which makes the plant not only a visual treat but also a tactile one. Coleus 'Wisley Flame' exhibits a bushy growth habit, and it's this dense foliage that adds to its lush appearance. With its variety of warm colors, this Coleus variety can bring an atmosphere of tropical vibrancy to any setting where temperate climates allow for its growth. When planted in groups or as part of a mixed display, 'Wisley Flame' can provide a stunning visual impact, its leaves creating a dramatic and almost painterly effect.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae.
Synonyms
Coleus, Flame Nettle, Painted Nettle.
Common names
Coleus blumei, Coleus scutellarioides, Plectranthus scutellarioides.
ToxicityTo humans
Coleus, including the Solenostemon 'Wisley Flame' variety, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, if ingested in large quantities, it may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort such as diarrhea or vomiting. It's always prudent to avoid eating ornamental plants.
To pets
Coleus, including the Solenostemon 'Wisley Flame' variety, is considered mildly toxic to pets, especially cats and dogs. If ingested, it may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. While the toxicity is generally considered low, it's best to prevent pets from chewing on this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Mixed
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
Tropical Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Vibrant Foliage: Adds a pop of color to gardens and landscapes with shades ranging from red, orange to yellow.
- Easy to Grow: It's known for being a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a range of environments.
- Versatility: Works well in mixed containers, hanging baskets, and as a bedding plant.
- Drought Resistant: Once established, it can tolerate periods of dry conditions.
- Shade Tolerant: Can survive in areas with partial shade, making it suitable for different garden spots.
- Fast-Growing: Enables quick filling of garden spaces for a lush look within a season.
- Non-Invasive: It behaves well in the garden without taking over the space meant for other plants.
- Decorative: Its unique flaming foliage offers aesthetic appeal in floral arrangements and bouquets.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Coleus plants like 'Wisley Flame' can be used in fabric dyeing processes for their range of vibrant colors.
- Pressed leaf craft is another novel use where the colorful coleus foliage can be preserved in glass frames for decorative art pieces.
- In culinary presentations, coleus can be added as an ornamental, non-toxic garnish to visually enhance the appeal of a dish.
- Coleus leaves can be used in educational settings for plant structure studies and botanical drawing classes due to their intricate patterns and colors.
- Garden photography enthusiasts may use 'Wisley Flame' as a subject for exploring macro photography and playing with color contrasts.
- The plant can be grown in containers to create living sculptures by meticulously shaping and arranging the foliage.
- During festive seasons, coleus can be incorporated into holiday decor, like table centerpieces, for a natural touch of color.
- Coleus can be used in mixed media art projects, combined with other materials to create textured, vibrant artworks.
- In terrariums, smaller coleus specimens can be featured as colorful highlights amongst various shades of green plants.
- The plant's ability to easily hybridize can be exploited for amateur breeding projects by garden enthusiasts to develop new color varieties.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Coleus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Coleus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Vibrancy: The Solenostemon 'Wisley Flame', more commonly known as Coleus, often represents vibrancy due to its bright, intense foliage that adds a splash of color wherever it grows.
- Uniqueness: Each Coleus plant has a unique pattern and color combination, symbolizing the value of individuality and the beauty of being distinctive.
- Change: The Coleus is known for its ability to change color intensity depending on light conditions, which can symbolize adaptability and transformation.
- Creativity: The elaborate and varied leaf patterns of the Coleus signify creativity, encouraging a sense of inspiration and artistic expression.
WaterThe Coleus, commonly referred to by its botanical name Solenostemon 'Wisley Flame', should be watered regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, typically once or twice weekly depending on environmental conditions. Employ a method of watering where you soak the soil thoroughly until water runs from the bottom of the pot, ensuring the soil is evenly moistened. The amount of water needed will vary, but as a rule of thumb, use approximately 16 ounces of water for small pots and up to 1 gallon for larger pots each time you water, adjusting as needed for temperature and light exposure.
LightColeus thrives best in bright but indirect sunlight. The Solenostemon 'Wisley Flame' should be placed in a location where it can receive ample light without being exposed to the harsh midday sun, which can scorch the leaves. An east- or west-facing windowsill where it gets a few hours of gentle morning or afternoon sun is ideal.
TemperatureColeus plants, such as Solenostemon 'Wisley Flame', prefer a warm environment and do well in temperatures between 60°F and 75°F. They can tolerate minimum temperatures down to 50°F but should be protected from cold drafts and extreme heat. The ideal temperature range ensures vibrant leaf color and optimal growth.
PruningPruning Coleus, or Solenostemon 'Wisley Flame', is important to encourage bushier growth and maintain the plant's shape. Pruning should be done periodically by pinching off the growing tips, especially during the growing season. The best time for heavier pruning is in early spring. Regularly removing the flower spikes also diverts energy back into foliage growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilColeus 'Wisley Flame' thrives best in a well-draining potting mix composed of two parts peat moss to one part perlite or sand, which ensures good aeration. The ideal soil pH for Coleus should be between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingColeus 'Wisley Flame' should generally be repotted every one to two years or when the plant has outgrown its current pot, to ensure continued growth and health.
Humidity & MistingColeus 'Wisley Flame' prefers high humidity levels, ideally between 40% and 70%, to maintain its vibrant foliage and overall health.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Coleus 'Wisley Flame' in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Grow Coleus 'Wisley Flame' in partial shade outside.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cycleSolenostemon 'Wisley Flame', commonly referred to as Coleus 'Wisley Flame', begins its life as a seed, sown in warm, damp soil where it germinates into a small seedling. As the seedling grows, it develops its characteristic vibrant foliage, which varies from green to bright red, orange, and yellow, depending on light exposure and genetic expression. The juvenile plant continues to grow, eventually becoming a mature coleus if provided with appropriate light, water, and nutrients. Throughout its life, coleus 'Wisley Flame' can be propagated through stem cuttings, which easily root in water or soil, allowing for vegetative expansion of the plant. The mature coleus does not usually flower significantly, as it is grown for its foliage, but if allowed to, it can produce small, less conspicuous flowers. Eventually, if exposed to cooler temperatures or neglected, the coleus plant will enter senescence and die, although it's often grown as an annual and replaced each season in temperate climates.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
The Solenostemon 'Wisley Flame', commonly known as Coleus, is typically propagated during the growing season, which is late spring through summer. The most popular method of propagation for Coleus is through stem cuttings. To propagate Coleus, a gardener should select a healthy stem and cut it just below a leaf node, making the cutting about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long. The lower leaves are then removed, and the cutting is placed in either a glass of water or moist potting soil. If rooting in water, once roots have formed, which usually takes about 2 weeks, the cutting can be transplanted into soil. It's important to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and the cuttings should be kept in a location with indirect sunlight during the rooting process.
