Culture
Best grown in evenly moist, well-draining soil in part shade. Some cultivars tolerate more full sun. Hardy in Zones 10-11. Pinch back stems to encourage a more bushy habit. The blooms are typically not showy and can be removed so as not to detract from the foliage. Seed cultivars can be started indoors from seed 8-12 weeks before last frost date. Inexpensive starter plants (in small pots or flats) can be purchased from most nurseries in spring for beds and containers. Containers may be brought inside in fall before frost for overwintering. Similarly, favorite plants may be dug and potted in fall for overwintering as houseplants. Cuttings from favorite plants (easily rooted in a glass of water or in clean potting soil) can also be taken in fall for overwintering.
COLORBLAZE LIME TIME is a sun tolerant selection of coleus that can be grown in virtually any light conditions, from full sun to full shade. For the densest, bushiest growth and best foliage color plant in full sun to part shade.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Plectranthus is a genus of about 350 species of annuals, evergreen perennials, semi-succulents and shrubs from Africa, Madagascar, Asia, Australasia and Pacific Islands. Commonly called coleus, hybrid cultivars are widely grown as ornamentals. An almost infinite number of leaf color combinations are available including most colors of the spectrum except true blue. Cultivars range in size from dwarf 6” tall plants to large mounded 3' tall plants. Four-sided stems are semi-succulent. Showy multi-colored leaves are generally ovate to oblong and toothed. Leaves frequently feature mixtures of colors in irregular patterns. Blue to white nettle-like flowers (more common on seed strains) bloom in racemes in summer to early fall, but are not showy and tend to visually detract from the symmetry and attractiveness of the plants.
Genus name comes from the Greek words plectron meaning "spur" and anthos meaning "flower" in reference to the spur-shaped flowers of some members of the genus.
COLORBLAZE LIME TIME is a hybrid coleus selection that features chartreuse-green foliage with rounded teeth along the margins and a well-branched growth habit. Mature plants will reach around 3.25' tall and spread to fill a 2.5' area. The terminal spikes of small, pale blue flowers are not showy and may not be produced. This plant is patented under the cultivar name 'UF12-30-6' and is protected by patent number PP27140.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Watch for mealybugs and mites.
Uses
Borders where winter hardy. Containers or hanging baskets for decks or patios. Bedding plant for annual color. Houseplant.