Coleus, Flame Nettle, Painted Nettle 'Kong Mosaic'

Coleusscutellarioides

Family
Lamiaceae (lay-mee-AY-see-ee)
Genus
Coleus (KO-lee-us)
Species
scutellarioides (skew-tell-ar-ee-OH-ih-deez)
Synonym
Solenostemon scutellarioides
Sun Exposure
Full Shade
Foliage
Grown for foliage
Height
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
Spacing
9-12 in. (22-30 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Danger
N/A
Bloom Color
Inconspicuous/none
Bloom Time
N/A
Other Details
Category
Annuals
Tropicals and Tender Perennials
Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Can be grown as an annual
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
5.6 to 6.0 (acidic)
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
From herbaceous stem cuttings
Seed Collecting
N/A: plant does not set seed, flowers are sterile, or plants will not come true from seed
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Compton, Arkansas

Brea, California

Clayton, California

Dover, Delaware

Bartow, Florida

Deland, Florida

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Pinellas Park, Florida

Cicero, Indiana

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Bowie, Maryland

Lincoln, Nebraska

Lugoff, South Carolina

North Augusta, South Carolina

Middleton, Tennessee

Crockett, Texas

San Antonio, Texas

Springdale, Utah

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Gardener's Notes:

3
positives
3
neutrals
2
negatives
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T
Lincoln, NE (Zone 5b) | September 2009 | negative

This is the first time I planted the Kong series. I was disappointed. It was in shade and protected from wind, but didn't grow very big. ...Read More

D
(Daniel) Mount Orab, OH (Zone 6b) | September 2009 | positive

I received this plant in a trade about a month ago. The leaves are ENORMOUS! I have seen some in local greenhouses that are 10" across. T...Read More

E
| November 2008 | neutral

have sown 10 seed of kong mosaic beginning of sept. packet says seeds can be sown any time of the year. seeds germinated only 6 days late...Read More

M
Compton, AR (Zone 6a) | August 2006 | neutral

I agree with the ones who say it is too easily tattered by wind and rain. Perhaps it would be better to keep it indoors if such weather i...Read More

S
Adams Run, SC | June 2005 | positive

This is my first year growing this plant but so far I am very happy with it. It doesn't get "leggy" like some coleus. It also seems to be...Read More

B
Pinellas Park, FL (Zone 9b) | June 2005 | neutral

Just got this this year so I'm still deciding if I like it. It is beautiful but leaves tend to tear on mine. Other than that,
it...Read More

H
Chicago, IL (Zone 5b) | June 2005 | negative

Plants seem to "out-grow" themselves....Leaves get very thin and raggedy...Pretty when young, but aren't we all..

H
Northern California, CA | July 2004 | positive

These coleus boast extremely large leaves, generally the size of your hand. Five unique color patterns include Kong Mosaic a Fantastic F...Read More

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