A striking coleus grown for its richly coloured foliage rather than its flowers, Coleus ‘Roy Pedley’ features dramatic velvety leaves with deep burgundy to near-black centres, vibrant pink tones and bright lime-green margins. Fast-growing and easy to care for, it’s perfect for adding bold colour to bright indoor spaces, containers and sheltered summer displays.
Scientific Name
Coleus ‘Roy Pedley’
Common Name(s)
Coleus, Painted Nettle
Origin
A cultivated hybrid developed from tropical Coleus species native to Southeast Asia.
Light
Thrives in bright, indirect light. A little gentle morning or evening sun helps maintain the vivid leaf colours, but avoid prolonged hot afternoon sun, which can scorch the foliage.
Water
Keep the compost evenly moist, allowing the top 2–3cm to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid letting the plant dry out completely, as this can cause leaves to wilt and drop.
Humidity
Prefers average to high humidity but adapts well to normal household conditions. Higher humidity encourages lush, healthy growth.
Temperature
Grows best between 18–27°C. Protect from temperatures below 10°C and avoid cold draughts.
Soil
Plant in a fertile, free-draining peat-free houseplant compost. Adding a little perlite will improve drainage while retaining sufficient moisture.
Feed
Feed every 2–4 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser. Reduce feeding during autumn and winter when growth naturally slows.
Growth
A fast-growing, bushy plant that typically reaches 30–60cm tall and wide indoors, though it can grow larger outdoors during the summer. Regular pinching encourages a fuller, more compact shape.
Flowers
Produces small spikes of pale blue or lavender flowers during the growing season. These are generally removed, as flowering can reduce the plant’s energy for producing its colourful foliage.
Toxicity
Toxic to cats, dogs and horses if ingested. Keep out of reach of pets.
Top Tips
- Pinch out the growing tips regularly to encourage a dense, bushy plant.
- Remove flower spikes as they appear to keep the foliage looking its best.
- Rotate the pot every few weeks for even growth.
- Coleus root very easily from stem cuttings, making them simple to propagate and share.
- Can be moved outdoors in summer once all risk of frost has passed, provided it is acclimatised gradually to brighter conditions.
