Coleus forsteri(Benth.) A. J. Paton.
There remains some doubt about the identity of this succulent-leaved species, but this is the name attached to this plant circulating in cultivation. Our doubts about the application of this name are based on a few features. Firstly, herbarium specimens show leaves folded during the pressing process. Our plants, in contrast, have firmer, rather succulent leaves that snap rather than fold. Secondly, inflorescences on dried specimens are elongate with many verticels of small flowers. Plants in cultivation have shorter inflorescences with fewer verticels of larger flowers. Then there is the natural distribution of the species on South Pacific islands (Fiji, New Caledonia, Tonga, and Vanuatu). Plants grown in our climate do not exhibit the cold, nor drought, sensitivity one might expect of plants from these tropical locales. On the contrary, we have found this plant to be exceptionally vigorous and an excellent addition to the palette for dry shade. It makes a mounding shrub with long arching runners resulting in a graceful form. Another feature that recommends this plant is its distinctive and pleasant citronella scent. This can be appreciated by planting along a path edge or around a bench where one can linger, stroke the foliage, and enjoy the aroma. It might even keep away mosquitoes! Short, interrupted panicles of white flowers are produced over a long period with interesting two-lipped, zygomorphic flowers characteristic of this genus in the mint family. Both variegated and non-variegated forms are cultivated, and we offer both.
ISI 2026-12 Coleus forsteri (Benth.) A. J. Paton.
Rooted cuts of HBG 145822, the non-variegated form, is a plant received from the late John McGregor in 2010. John was the Huntington rosarian in the 1980s and designed and maintained a number of notable gardens in the Pasadena area after leaving the Huntington, at some point taking an interest in garden-worthy Coleus.
Photo © 2026 by John Trager.
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