Coleus ‘Henna’/’Balcenna’ 

Coleus scutellarioides

KO-lee-us  skew-tell-ar-ee-OH-ih-deez

SYN.

Plectranthus scutellarioides

SYN.

Solenostemon scutellarioides

Coleus scutellarioides (L.) Benth. is the accepted scientific name for this species of Coleus. It was named and described as such by George Bentham in Plantae Asiaticae Rariores in 1830. It was first named and described as Ocimum scutellarioides by Carl von Linnaeus in the second volume of the first edition of Species Plantarum in 1753.

To read the research document published on Phytokeys, “Nomenclatural changes in Coleus and Plectranthus (Lamiaceae): a tale of more than two genera” by Alan J. Patton and others”, click HERE. I think this is the document presented to make the name changes. 

The two most common synonyms that plants are still sold under are Plectranthus scutellarioides and Solenostemon scutellarioides. 

Now a synonym, Plectranthus scutellarioides (L.) R.Br. was described as such by Robert Brown in Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae in 1810.

Now a synonym, Solenostemon scutellarioides (L.) Codd was described by Leslie Edward Wastell Codd in Bothalia in 1975.

The genus, Coleus Lour., was named and described as such by João de Loureiro in Flora Cochinchinensis in 1790.

As of 12-19-23 when this page was last updated, Plants of the World Online lists 301 species in the Coleus genus. It is a member of the plant family Lamiaceae with 232 genera. Those numbers could change as updates are made on POWO.

THERE ARE A FEW LINKS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE FOR FURTHER READING.

I was given a cutting of the Coleus ‘Henna’ while I was living at the mansion in Leland, Mississippi in 2012 by the owner of Pleasant Acres Nursery. It took off with no problem and turned out to be one of the best.

Information I found out on the internet states that it is from a breeder from Costa Rica and mentions the name Ramirez as the hybridizer (from Dave’s Garden). It was patented and introduced under the name ‘Balcenna’ in 2009 but is normally sold under the name ‘Henna’ (pp 19,149).

Coleus ‘Henna’ is a sturdy, upright grower to around 28”. Its serrated leaves are typically a combination of chartreuse and coppery burgundy color. The leaves kind of curl up revealing their burgundy undersides. That just adds to their interesting foliage.

The Better Homes and Gardens says the height is from 1 to 8 feet and width is 1-3’. GEEZ! Can you imagine an 8’ tall Coleus?

In all, I would give Coleus ‘Henna’ a five gold star rating for color and performance! They do well in sun to part shade and the color does differ in different settings. I don’t think this Coleus ever flowered, which is an added bonus.

I will be glad when the Coleus selection locally gets better!

You can read my Coleus scutellarioides page by clicking HERE for more information and a list of all the Coleus I have grown.

I hope you enjoyed this page and maybe found it useful. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, I would like to hear from you. Please click on “like” if you visited this page. It helps us bloggers stay motivated. 🙂 You can check out the links below for further reading. The links take you directly to the genus and species of this plant. If you notice I made an error, please let me know. Of course, you can always send me an email at thebelmontrooster@yahoo.com.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
PLANTS OF THE WORLD ONLINE (GENUS/SPECIES)
WIKIPEDIA (GENUS/SPECIES)
PHYTOKEYS
NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY
MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN
GARDENING KNOW HOW