There are different varieties and interesting hybrids of the colored nettle. Classic shades of yellow and green are represented, as well as pink and red. Breeders often state the lifespan as one year, but it can also be several years.
The coloring of the leaves varies depending on the species
If you take cuttings from your one-year-old nettle in good time, then you can look forward to plants of the same type again next year. Propagation is quite easy and inexpensive. Incidentally, this may result in one or the other gift for fellow flower lovers.
What species of coleus are there?
Various variants of the colored nettle have been cultivated since around the end of the 19th century. The goal is usually an interesting and perhaps new coloring of the foliage. A red-green color variant with more or less jagged leaf edges is often represented. But there are also heart-shaped leaves, as in the cultivar 'Lord Falmouth', or golden-yellow leaves, which the cultivar 'Golden Bedder' displays in good light conditions.
Interesting Varieties of the Coleus:
- "Royal Scott": burgundy with light green leaf margin
- "Crimson Ruffles": dark purple with pink accents
- "Pineapple": unusual leaf shape, dark red speckles on very light green
- 'Brillancy': crimson leaves with a pale yellow edge
- 'Golden Bedder': golden yellow foliage, but only with sufficient light
The care of the colored nettle species
The species of colored nettle do not differ when it comes to care. They all need quite a lot of water, nutrient-rich soil and good light conditions to keep their interesting foliage color. If a colored nettle is too dark, its colors quickly fade. Therefore, you should choose the location carefully. It can be sunny, but should not necessarily be in the midday sun, otherwise the colored nettle will burn easily.
You can use all varieties of the colored nettle as a decorative houseplant or plant them in your garden. However, the colored nettle only feels really comfortable there in summer. It is not hardy and needs to overwinter in a warm environment. She just can't deny her origins from warm regions.
tips
The different colors of the colored nettle can be perfectly combined. Plant "mixed" pots for your window sill or balcony.