Coleus FlameThrower™ Chili Pepper: A Splash of Color for Your Garden
FlameThrower™ Chili Pepper Coleus is scientifically known as Solenostemon scutellarioides FlameThrower™ Chili Pepper (formerly classified as Plectranthus scutellarioides), and it belongs to the family Lamiaceae or Mint family and is more commonly recognized as Coleus. This vibrant plant boasts a hardiness degree of 38°F (3.3°C) and graces gardens with its blooms during early spring, spring, late spring, summer, autumn, and late summer. It exhibits an upright growth habit and is characterized by its shade tolerance.
Description: FlameThrower™ Chili Pepper Coleus is a fantastic accent plant, especially when incorporated into mixed containers. It features stunning colors and patterns that thrive both in full sun and shade. This versatile plant is known for rarely flowering, making it a low-maintenance, high-impact addition suitable for large pot programs and landscaping. With its compact-to-medium growth habit, it showcases bold foliage colors that are perfect for small pots and mixed containers, adding both color and texture to your garden.
Cultivation of Coleus FlameThrower™ Chili Pepper:
Sunlight: FlameThrower Chili Pepper Coleus performs admirably in both full sun and full shade conditions. However, it’s advisable to avoid hot, dry locations exposed to direct afternoon sun or reflected sunlight, such as the south side of a white wall.
Soil: This coleus variety prefers well-drained, consistently moist soil. While it’s not particularly fussy about soil pH, it thrives best in rich soils. Remarkably, it can tolerate urban pollution and is well-suited for inner city environments.
Watering: Water your Coleus FlameThrower™ Chili Pepper immediately after planting, but allow the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil to dry before watering again. Once established, it’s drought-tolerant, requiring watering only during extended dry periods.
Fertilization: Fertilize this coleus variety every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer. You can also use a slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season.
Pruning: While the plant produces flowers, these may not significantly enhance its ornamental features. You can prune the flowers as they appear.
Propagation: Coleus FlameThrower™ Chili Pepper can be propagated through cuttings, although be aware that there may be certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation due to its cultivated nature.
FlameThrower Chili Pepper Coleus is a versatile and eye-catching addition to your garden. Its bold foliage colors, low-maintenance nature, and adaptability to various light conditions make it a popular choice for garden beds and outdoor containers. Whether used as a ‘filler’ or ‘thriller’ in container combinations, it will undoubtedly add a splash of color and texture to your outdoor space.
