Coleus scutellarioides Le Freak - Painted nettle

The Coleus 'Le Freak' (Plectranthus scutellarioides) boasts a particularly decorative foliage and is is easy to grow indoors. Its richly deep red and lime green coloured leaves add a beautiful splash of colour that contrasts with many green plants commonly found in homes. Easy to care for, the coleus thrives in bright light without direct sunlight and requires regular watering to keep its substrate moist. It will make a striking statement in your living room or conservatory.

The Coleus scutellarioides 'Le Freak' belongs to the Lamiaceae family. This cultivar was developed by the grower Dümmen Orange (Netherlands) as part of the 'Main Street' series. This tender perennial is often grown as an annual in borders or even indoors. It has a bushy and compact habit, reaching a height of 30 to 50 cm with a similar spread. Its quadrangular, semi-succulent stems bear elongated, finely serrated leaves displaying shades of burgundy to deep purple edged with a zesty green that verges on yellow. The velvety texture of its foliage adds a tactile dimension to its visual appeal. Though rare indoors, flowering produces small tubular flowers in pale blue to lilac, clustered in terminal inflorescences. The name 'Le Freak' likely references the unique and exuberant appearance of its foliage, which boasts a bold and unconventional aesthetic.

Native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia and Indonesia, the wild Coleus scutellarioides species also known by the synonyms Plectranthus scutellarioides, Solenostemon scutellarioides, and Coleus blumei, thrives in humid and shaded environments. Indoors, it prefers bright, indirect light, moderate to high ambient humidity, and an ideal temperature between 15 and 25°C. A rich, well-draining substrate is recommended, with regular watering to keep the soil slightly moist, especially during the growth period. Regularly pinching out the stem tips will encourages denser, more compact growth.

Warning - The coleus contains compounds that can be toxic if ingested.

The Coleus 'Le Freak' is a true decorative asset for brightening up a living room, conservatory, or even a modern kitchen. With its vibrant foliage, it fits perfectly into baroque, tropical, or contemporary styles. Place it in a stylish textured ceramic or rattan planter to highlight its personality. This plant loves indirect light, so position it near an east- or west-facing window, away from direct sunlight. It looks stunning on a shelf, console table, or even in a hanging basket where it can be admired. Pair 'Le Freak' with other cultivars featuring contrasting foliage, such as the Coleus 'Copinto Margarita' with its bright green leaves, or the Coleus 'Flame Thrower Salsa Roja' which showcases stunning deep red tones.