Coleus scutellarioides 'Le Freak'

Coleus scutellarioides 'Le Freak'

Coleus scutellarioides 'Le Freak' is a compact, upright foliage cultivar in the Stained Glassworks series, grown for narrow, sharply serrated leaves and tight branching. The bicolour foliage sits in the brown colour group, with warm dark tones and green edging that give the plant a crisp, finely textured outline in a pot.

Short internodes help 'Le Freak' build density quickly after pinching. Indoors, it grows as a fast, tender perennial that stays neat with regular trimming and renews readily from cuttings once older stems become woody.

Coleus scutellarioides 'Le Freak' at a glance

• Compact Stained Glassworks cultivar with upright, well-branched growth
• Narrow, serrated bicolour leaves in warm brown and green tones
• Short internodes that support a dense, full pot shape
• Responsive to pinching, pruning and cutting propagation
• Suited to bright indoor positions and sheltered summer containers

Leaf texture and growth habit of Coleus scutellarioides 'Le Freak'

Coleus scutellarioides belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae, and shows the typical square stems and paired leaves of the group. 'Le Freak' stands out through its slim blade shape, toothed margins and lively cut-leaf texture.

The species behind modern coleus cultivars is native from Indo-China to Nansei-shōtō and northern Australia, where it grows as a wet-tropical subshrub. In pots, that background shows in quick warm-season growth, steady moisture demand and sensitivity to cold wet substrate.

Light, water and pruning for Coleus scutellarioides 'Le Freak'

• Light: Give bright indirect light, filtered sun or gentle morning/evening sun. Strong midday sun through glass can scorch thin leaves, while dim positions stretch the stems.
• Watering: Keep the substrate lightly and evenly moist. Water once the upper layer has started to dry, then let excess water drain fully.
• Substrate: Use a moisture-retentive but airy mix with organic matter, fine bark or coco fibre, and mineral drainage material. Coleus roots need moisture and oxygen at the same time.
• Temperature: Keep warm, ideally around 18–25 °C. Growth slows in cool conditions, and cold wet substrate can damage stems and roots.
• Humidity: Average to moderately humid indoor air is suitable when watering is steady. Very dry heat can make the leaf edges crisp.
• Feeding: Feed lightly during active growth with a balanced fertiliser. A modest dose keeps new shoots denser and easier to pinch back.
• Pruning: Pinch shoot tips regularly to keep the plant dense. Trim flower spikes early when foliage density is the priority.
• Propagation: Stem cuttings root readily in water or a clean, lightly moist propagation substrate. Young cuttings refresh plants with woody lower stems.
• Outdoor summer placement: Use a sheltered, warm spot in bright shade or filtered sun after gradual acclimation.

Diagnosing problems in Coleus scutellarioides 'Le Freak'

• Sudden wilting: Check substrate moisture first. Coleus wilts quickly when dry, but persistent wilting in wet soil points to root stress.
• Long, thin stems: Usually caused by low light or missed pinching. Move brighter and cut back above a leaf pair.
• Soft stem bases: Often linked to cold, wet conditions. Improve drainage, increase warmth and restart healthy tips as cuttings if needed.
• Sticky leaves or distorted new growth: Check shoot tips and leaf undersides for aphids, whitefly, mealybug or spider mites.

Safe handling for Coleus scutellarioides 'Le Freak'

Coleus scutellarioides may cause minor skin irritation or allergic contact dermatitis after repeated handling. Keep Coleus scutellarioides 'Le Freak' away from pets and children who chew plants, and wash hands after pruning or taking cuttings.

Name and botanical background of Coleus scutellarioides 'Le Freak'

The accepted botanical name is Coleus scutellarioides (L.) Benth., in the family Lamiaceae. The genus name Coleus comes from Greek koleos, meaning sheath, referring to the fused stamens. The species epithet scutellarioides means resembling Scutellaria, a genus name linked to Latin scutella, a small dish or bowl.

Use Coleus scutellarioides 'Le Freak' for narrow serrated leaves and vivid Stained Glassworks colour in close-up foliage displays.