Solenostemon Copinto Caipirinha

The Coleus Copinto Caipirinha is a vigorous variety of Plectranthus that quickly forms a beautiful upright tuft. It is adorned with decorative leaves, dentate on the edges, in a bright lemon-green colour with reddish-brown veins. This exotic-looking plant makes a big impression while requiring little maintenance when planted in partial shade and in moist soil. Frost-sensitive, Coleus can be grown as indoor plants or as annuals in gardens to decorate balconies and terraces. They also make particularly decorative plants in seasonal compositions and contemporary designs.

Coléus, also known as Solenostemon and recently renamed Plectranthus, are plants related to basil and nettle. They belong to the mint family, as indicated by their small bilabiate flowers with elongated lower lips, fleshy square stems, and toothed and hairy leaves on the underside. This genus comprises about sixty species of tender shrubby perennials, native to Asia and tropical Africa. Horticulture has given rise to numerous hybrids and cultivars, many of which are descendants of Solenostemon scutellarioides.

The Coleus 'Copinto Caipirinha' forms a dense and rounded tuft, reaching approximately 55 cm (22in) in all directions in one season. The leaves are heart-shaped, with rounded and regular teeth, and slightly hairy. The laminae have dark veins that stand out precisely against a yellow-green background. The flowering, which is late and sporadic in this selection, is discreet. It sometimes occurs at the end of the season, in the form of small pale mauve-blue flowers. It is often recommended to remove these flowers so that the plants do not exhaust themselves in producing seeds and maintain generous foliage.

Coleus, sometimes called 'painted nettles' because of their incredibly diverse foliage, are irreplaceable for adding a beautiful exotic touch to any decor, both in the garden and in the house, where they can live for several years. They prefer a semi-shaded exposure, which can be found on the edge of a bed of tall perennials or bushes, or in a cool rockery exposed to the north or east, away from the scorching rays of the sun. They allow for the creation of small mosaic-like beds of colours and pair well with begonias in flower pots. Their richness of colours makes them somewhat difficult to pair with other plants; small ferns like Polypodium or purple heart (Tradescantia pallida) will be good companions for Coleus Copinto Caipirinha. They also blend particularly well with begonias in flower pots.

Note: Please be aware that our young plug plants are professional products intended for experienced gardeners: upon receipt, transplant and store them in sheltered areas (veranda, greenhouse, cold frame) at a temperature above 14°C (57.2°F) for a few weeks before placing them outdoors once the risk of frost has passed.