Overview of Coleus blumei-hybrid (Palettblad)
Coleus blumei-hybrid, commonly known as palettblad or painted nettle, is cherished for its exceptional, vibrant foliage. Its leaves display a remarkable array of colors, ranging from green, brown, yellow, orange, and red to deep purple—much like an artist’s palette. The spectacular color variations and patterns differ not only from plant to plant but even from leaf to leaf, making each specimen unique and highly ornamental.
Origin and History
Coleus blumei-hybrid traces its origins to the tropical regions of Java and Australia. The plant was brought to England in the early 19th century, where the Royal Horticultural Society undertook essential breeding work. Thanks to these efforts, Coleus could be introduced widely as an attractive houseplant. Over the centuries, continued hybridization and selection have resulted in a vast palette of new shapes, forms, and color combinations.
Key Features
Leaf Characteristics
Perhaps the most striking feature of palettblad is its decorative foliage. The leaves are typically large, ovate, and soft, sometimes lightly toothed and often covered with fine hairs. Both form and color are immensely variable; a single plant can bear shades of green, yellow, orange, pink, red, burgundy, brown, and purple—even on different leaves at the same time.
Growth Habit
Palettblad is adaptable and varies in height depending on variety and environment, generally growing between 30 and 100 cm tall. Plant forms range from upright and bushy to trailing varieties, allowing for creative use both indoors and outdoors, whether as eye-catching houseplants or as seasonal bedding plants among summer flowers.
Flowers
In summer, palettblad may develop small, bluish or lavender, inconspicuous flowers grouped in pyramid-shaped inflorescences. However, most growers prefer to pinch off the flower stalks, as this encourages lush, bushy growth and enhances the plant's spectacular leaf display.
Cultivation and Care
Light
Palettblad thrives best in bright light, ensuring that its colorful, variegated foliage reaches its full decorative potential. The plant tolerates—even welcomes—full sun, but during hot periods, some protection is beneficial to prevent the leaves from scorching. In summer, it can be placed outdoors in a sheltered spot, for example on a terrace, or combined attractively with other summer-flowering plants.
Watering
Maintaining consistent soil moisture is important; palettblad should never dry out completely. The leaves will wilt if the plant lacks water, but they quickly perk up again once watering is resumed. Container-grown plants may need especially frequent watering.
Feeding
During the active growing season, regular feeding—about once per week with a balanced fertilizer—helps support vigorous growth and vivid foliage colors.
Temperature and Overwintering
Palettblad is a notably tolerant plant that can overwinter on a windowsill indoors. It does best with temperatures between 15–18°C, but can survive temporary drops to about 10°C. It is not frost tolerant, so in colder climates, it should be kept indoors over winter or propagated from cuttings before the cold arrives.
Pruning and Propagation
Regular pinching or trimming of the growing tips encourages dense, bushy growth. Propagation is straightforward, as palettblad roots readily from stem cuttings placed in water or directly in soil—making it easy to share favorite color combinations with friends.
Decorative Value and Uses
Without a doubt, palettblad’s richly colored and patterned leaves are its greatest asset. Gardeners and plant enthusiasts can explore endless decorative possibilities by selecting cultivars whose leaf colors harmonize with—or stand out from—other plants or furnishings. Palettblad is as well-suited to bright living rooms as to shady patios or vibrant summer borders.
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Palettblad, Painted Nettle, Coleus |
| Botanical Name | Plectranthus scutellarioides (formerly Coleus blumei) |
| Origin | Java, Australia, Southeast Asia |
| Leaf Colors | Green, yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, maroon, brown, with many patterns |
| Growth Habit | Annual/perennial, 30–100 cm tall, bushy or trailing forms |
| Light Needs | Bright indirect light to partial shade; tolerates full sun with care |
| Watering | Keep soil moist; wilts if underwatered, recovers after watering |
| Flowering | Summer, blue/purple, inconspicuous; better foliage if flowers are removed |
| Temperature | Best at 15–18°C, not frost tolerant, minimum 10°C |
| Propagation | Easy from seed or cuttings |
For an illustration of this plant's color and form, see the Palettblad, Coleus blumei hybrid.
Palettblad remains a favorite among ornamental plants thanks to its dazzling leaves, easy care, and adaptability. Whether grown indoors or out, it offers both novice and experienced gardeners the enjoyment of rich color and creative expression.
