What is solenostemon?
Solenostemon is a former genus of flowering plants in the family Lamiaceae. It has been included in the genus Plectranthus, but is now included in an expanded Coleus. They are native to tropical Africa, Asia and Australia. Some species formerly placed in this genus are cultivated for their highly variegated leaves. Distribution and habitat: Solenostemon scutellarioides is native to south east Asia and Malaysia. Growing to 6075cm (2430 inch) tall and wide, it is a bushy, woody-based evergreen perennial, widely grown for its highly decorative variegated leaves.
Do solenostemon plants like sun or shade?
Provide them with well-draining soil and water consistently, keeping the soil evenly moist. Coleus plants thrive in partial to full shade, making them ideal for gardens with filtered sunlight. Pinch back the tips regularly to encourage fuller growth and remove any flower spikes to maintain foliage vitality. In their native tropical environments, coleus plants can live for several years as perennials. However, in most temperate climates, they are grown as annuals and will only live for one growing season before being killed by frost.Feed coleus house plants with a high nitrogen fertiliser every two weeks through the growing season. Water when the top third of the compost is dry. Place in a spot that gets bright, indirect light. Plants won’t thrive in shady locations.Place the pots in a sunny window, water regularly and pinch back the growing tips throughout winter to promote a fuller shape. In spring, gradually introduce the plants to outdoor conditions. Coleus is very frost-sensitive, so bring the plants inside if cold nights threaten.The short answer is that coleus are not frost-tolerant plants. While not impossible for them to regrow after a frost, most will likely die if they are exposed to colder temperatures and are hit by frost.
What is the 3 year rule for perennials?
Many perennials follow the 3-year rule: they sleep in the first year, creep in the second, and leap in the third. Understanding this natural growth cycle helps manage expectations and ensures long-term gardening success. Understanding the 3-Year Rule of Perennials—where they sleep in the first year, creep in the second, and leap in the third—can help gardeners set realistic expectations and have lasting success. Here’s what you need to know about how perennials grow and what to expect during each phase.