Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Combat'

RHS Plant Profile
coleus 'Combat'

Synonyms

Plectranthus 'Combat'
Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Combat'

Award of Garden Merit
Bedding Conservatory Greenhouse

Has highly variegated leaves irregularly splashed in orange, red, yellow and green. They are pointed, ovate and shallowly serrated

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus
A genus of annual or perennial herbs or shrubs, some of which can be succulent or tuberous in nature, and one of the easiest plants to propagate. Their velvety leaves add vibrant shades of red, pink, green and purple to beds and borders, pots and containers
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in a peat-free, loam-based, potting compost in bright filtered to moderate light. Pot up annually in spring. Grow on outdoors after risk of frost has passed in a sheltered position with humus rich, moist but well-drained soil

Propagation

Propagate by seed in early spring (cultivars may not come true) or by softwood cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Sub-tropical
  • Patio and container plants

Pruning

Pinch out tips to encourage bushiness. Cut back if bringing indoors for winter

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse pests such as mealybugs, glasshouse whitefly and scale insects

Diseases

Generally disease-free