Coleus ‘Ruby Road’ – Painted Nettle

Coleus ‘Ruby Road’ is a vibrant foliage plant admired for its beautifully patterned leaves in rich shades of ruby red, burgundy and green. Its colourful, softly textured foliage brings an instant splash of colour to pots, containers and garden displays. With its bushy growth habit and striking leaf markings, this eye-catching Coleus is perfect for adding colour to a bright indoor space or a sheltered outdoor position during the warmer months.

Scientific Name
Coleus scutellarioides ‘Ruby Road’

Common Name(s)
Ruby Road Coleus, Painted Nettle, Flame Nettle

Origin
A cultivated variety of Coleus scutellarioides, a species native to tropical regions of Southeast Asia and surrounding areas. It is widely grown as an ornamental foliage plant.

Light
Prefers bright, indirect light or partial shade. Some gentle morning or evening sunlight can help intensify its beautiful red colouring, but avoid prolonged strong midday sun, which can scorch the leaves. Too little light may cause the plant to become leggy and lose some of its vibrant colour.

Water
Keep the soil consistently lightly moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top centimetre or two of compost begins to dry, then allow excess water to drain away. Coleus plants can wilt quickly when thirsty, particularly during warm weather. Reduce watering during cooler months.

Humidity
Prefers moderate humidity but generally adapts well to average household conditions. Avoid placing near radiators or other sources of hot, dry air. Outdoor plants appreciate a sheltered position away from drying winds.

Soil
Use a fertile, well-draining peat-free multipurpose compost. Adding a little perlite can help improve drainage when growing in containers.

Food
Feed every 2–4 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertiliser to support healthy foliage growth. Reduce feeding during autumn and winter.

Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures between 18–27°C. Coleus is frost-tender and should be protected from temperatures below 10°C. In the UK, it is best grown outdoors during the warmer months and brought indoors before autumn temperatures drop.

Pet-safe
No. Coleus plants are considered toxic to cats and dogs if ingested and may cause digestive upset. Keep out of reach of pets and children.

Sprouts Top Tips
Regularly pinch out the growing tips to encourage a fuller, bushier plant and prevent it becoming tall and leggy. Removing developing flower spikes can also help direct the plant’s energy into producing more of its beautiful colourful foliage.

Give your ‘Ruby Road’ plenty of bright, filtered light to maintain its rich ruby-red colouring.

Extras
‘Ruby Road’ is a fast-growing foliage plant that works beautifully in mixed containers, patio pots and summer bedding displays. It can also be grown indoors in a bright position.

Coleus plants are easy to propagate from stem cuttings, making it simple to create new plants or keep a favourite variety growing from year to year.

Did You Know?
Coleus belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae, and its square stems are a characteristic feature shared by many members of this family.

Although Coleus plants can produce small flower spikes, they are primarily grown for their spectacular foliage, which comes in an incredible range of colours, patterns and textures.