Coleus “Wasabi’

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 my Coleus ‘Wasabi’ as a cutting from the owner of Pleasant Acres Nursery in Leland, Mississippi in the spring of 2012. This one was sure to brighten up any area and looks great with darker leaves plants.

Coleus ‘Wasabi’ comes from Ball FloraPlant, a division of Ball Horticultural Company. It is patented under the name ‘UFO843’ (PP23,585).

Coleus ’Wasabi’ grows well in shade or sun to 18-30” tall x 16-28” wide. It has nearly flawless, heavily serrated chartreuse leaves. Its name does remind me of the Wasabi I tried while I was living in Minnesota. However, unlike what I ate, I will be trying the Coleus ‘Wasabi’ in the future.

Even though Coleus ‘Wasabi did not flower, mine did not branch out very well… So, maybe, it needs to be pinched when it is still small so it will branch out and be fuller.

The above photo shows it after I cut the top off and re-potted the cutting. I should have done after it started growing.

Even though I took cuttings for the 2013 season I had to give them up as with most of my other plants. I moved back to the farm in mid-Missouri in February 2013 so I gave most of my plants to friends in Mississippi.

Results from many trials throughout the country gave Coleus ‘Wasabi’ high ratings. Mine did not achieve it’s full potential because I did not pinch it at an early age. It did prove to be a strong grower and the color is a shock to the senses. SO, if you have an opportunity to try this Coleus, I highly recommend you do. I know if we ever meet again, I will definitely bring one home.

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