How to identify Indian coleus (Plectranthus barbatus)

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Indian coleus

How to identify Indian coleus (Plectranthus barbatus)

Indian coleus, also known as False boldo

Indian coleus is a robust, fast-growing large shrub, reaching heights of 6 to 8+ feet (1.8 to 2.4+ meters) with an equal spread. Its structure is supported by thick stems crowned with large, ovate, light green leaves measuring 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) in length. The foliage has a slightly fuzzy texture and bears subtle dentations along the edges. From fall to late spring, indian coleus showcases its ornamental value with dark blue-purple flowers prominently displayed in stacked whorls, creating 10 inch (25 cm) long inflorescences.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb, Shrub

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Indian coleus

1

Robust large shrub, 6-8+ feet (1.8-2.4+ meters) tall and wide.

2

Ovate light green leaves, 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long, slightly fuzzy with dentations.

3

Dark blue-purple flowers in stacked whorls, creating 10 inch (25 cm) long inflorescences.

Indian coleus

Indian coleus

Indian coleus

Indian coleus

Indian coleus

Indian coleus and Their Similar Plants

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Lobster bush vs. Indian coleus: What's The Difference?

Lobster bush (Plectranthus neochilus) is a plant species with unique, fragrant leaves, so it is rarely bothered by pests and has even been used to repel snakes and mosquitos. It does, however, play host to several species of butterflies. The lobster bush can tolerate wide temperature ranges and dry conditions.

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Swedish Ivy vs. Indian coleus: What's The Difference?

Swedish Ivy is a common houseplant grown for its striking foliage. It produces toothed-edged leaves with attractive edging, and its small flowers produce nectar that attracts bees. White-edged Swedish Ivy is named for the white edges on the leaves.

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Large spur-flower vs. Indian coleus: What's The Difference?

Large spur-flower (Plectranthus ecklonii) is an evergreen flowering shrub that attracts hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. Large spur-flower blossoms are aromatic and have a sweet fragrance. This species grows best in partial shade in well-drained soil, and it is tolerant to drought conditions.

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Common thicket spurflower vs. Indian coleus: What's The Difference?

Plectranthus madagascariensis is a plant species native to South Africa. This species is also called the candle plant. Herbivores avoid foraging on this plant due to the fragrance of its leaves, but moths and caterpillars eat the leafy parts of the plant. Common thicket spurflower is often cultivated in gardens.

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Mona Lavender vs. Indian coleus: What's The Difference?

Cultivated from Plectranthus saccatus and P. hilliardiae ssp. autralis 'Magwa', mona Lavender is used as a houseplant in cooler climates and a garden ornamental in tropical climates. Unlike its parent plants, the leaves on the cultivar have a striking purple color on the backs.

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Silver spurflower vs. Indian coleus: What's The Difference?

The silver spurflower is also called the silver crest because of the colors of its foliage. This is generally used as an indoor houseplant and has a rapid growth rate. The colors of the flowers can be white or blue, and they bloom during the summer. It’s grown as an ornamental plant and thrives well in temperate regions.

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Little spurflower vs. Indian coleus: What's The Difference?

Coleus australis, synonyms Plectranthus australis and Plectranthus parviflorus, known as little spurflower or cockspur flower, is a shrub, occurring in Hawaii, Polynesia and Australia. Non aromatic, between 10 cm and 70 cm high. The habitat is shady moist areas, including eucalyptus forest and rainforest. A widespread species, in rocky areas and beside streams. Attractive blue and white flowers may occur throughout the year.

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Bonsai mint vs. Indian coleus: What's The Difference?

The bonsai mint is an evergreen species that is native to some provinces in South Africa. This plant is an excellent specimen to use as a bonsai tree, and its most attractive features include its aromatic leaves and its lovely, lilac-colored flowers.

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Key Facts About Indian coleus

Attributes of Indian coleus

Lifespan

Perennial

Spread

1.8 m to 2.5 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

1.2 cm to 1.5 cm

Flower Color

Purple

Blue

Leaf type

Evergreen

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Scientific Classification of Indian coleus

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Order

Mints plantains olives and allies

Family

Genus

Species

Indian coleus (Plectranthus barbatus)

Learn More About the Indian coleus

Learn More About the Indian coleus

A Comprehensive Guide to Indian coleus How to Grow and Care for Indian coleus