Coleus

Coleus scutellarioides, commonly known as coleus, is a species of flowering plant in the family Lamiaceae, the mint or deadnettle family, native to southeast Asia through to Australia. Typically growing to 60–75 cm (24–30 in) tall and wide, it is a bushy, woody-based evergreen perennial, widely grown for the highly decorative variegated leaves found in cultivated varieties. Another common name is painted nettle, reflecting its relationship to deadnettles (Lamium species), which are in the same family. True nettles and their close kin are in the distant family Urticaceae. The synonyms Coleus blumei, Plectranthus scutellarioides and Solenostemon scutellarioides are also widely used for this species. Vibrant leaves display a rich combination of deep purple and electric green, creating a striking contrast. The detailed frilled edges of the leaves add an intricate, decorative element.