Should We Be Calling Them 'Coleus' Again?

Coleus, part of the mint family Lamiaceae, were reclassified as Solenostemon in 1975 and then more recently as Plectranthus, but now we are full circle and back to being 'Coleus' again. According to an academic article from 2018, this group of plants is actually a 'sister to the remainder of the Plectranthinae and merits generic recognition'¹, so let's just call a Coleus a Coleus.

You might also know Coleus by the vibrant common names of 'Flame Nettle' or 'Painted Nettle,' but don't be fooled—they share no connection with the stinging nettle.

Our Coleus page is now online and restocked, so you can get your colourful coleus fix! Our vibrant array of Coleus varieties are handpicked for their amazing colours and diversity and we believe our website has the most extensive range of these beautiful varieties in the UK. You can now choose your desired plug plant varieties, and at just £3.20 each, they offer fantastic value.

¹ Paton, A., Mwanyambo, M., & Culham, A. (2018). Phylogenetic study of Plectranthus, Coleus and allies (Lamiaceae): taxonomy, distribution and medicinal use. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society. https://doi.org/10.1093/botlinnean/boy064

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