Coleus scutellarioides ‘Stained Glassworks Magnificent Mile’

Stained Glassworks and botanical origin

Magnificent Mile belongs to Dümmen Orange’s Stained Glassworks coleus series. The cultivar brings coral, salmon and rust tones into a dark burgundy leaf and has upright, vigorous growth.

Coleus scutellarioides is a warmth-loving herbaceous perennial originating from tropical and subtropical Asia through to northern Australia. Its paired leaves and square, freely branching stems are typical of the mint family. This branching habit allows Magnificent Mile to develop a full canopy.

Looking after Magnificent Mile

• Light: Use a very bright position of about 20,000–40,000 lux. Gradually introduce morning or late-day sun; a sudden jump to exposed midday conditions can mark the leaves.
• Watering: Rewater when the dry layer reaches roughly one quarter to two fifths of the pot. This vigorous cultivar can empty a ⌀ 13 cm container quickly in warmth, so check its weight and soil more often as conditions warm.
• Warmth: Temperatures of 18–25 °C suit active growth. Protect it from readings under 10 °C, and use it outdoors after nights stay close to 15 °C and the leaves have been acclimatised.
• Soil and pot: Choose a fertile, open substrate that holds useful moisture but releases excess water. Repot when the roots become crowded or the plant needs water again unusually soon.
• Feeding: A moderate complete fertiliser supports the fast leafy growth. Apply it to moist soil during the active period and scale back promptly when light and growth fall.
• Pinching and flowers: Trim just above a node to shorten an overlong shoot or encourage additional branching. Flower spikes are optional and can be removed if foliage is the priority.
• Cleaning: Wash dust and pests away with a gentle rinse or use a very soft brush. Do not polish the textured leaves, and handle the fleshy stems carefully when turning the plant.

Common problems and fixes

• Rapid wilt and a light pot: This vigorous coleus can dry quickly. Water evenly until surplus drains, then check more often during warm, bright weather and rewater before the leaves collapse.
• Wilt despite damp substrate: Saturated or decaying roots may be unable to supply the canopy. Improve drainage and inspect the root system before watering again.
• Weak, stretched stems: Move gradually into stronger light and pinch immediately above a node to rebuild branching. Avoid a sudden jump from shade to full sun.
• Bleached tan areas: Sun scorch commonly appears after abrupt exposure, especially on unacclimatised indoor leaves. Provide temporary shelter and let replacement growth adapt in steps.
• Aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs or mites: Check soft tips and leaf undersides, isolate the plant and wash away loose pests. Follow with a suitable repeated control matched to what is present.
• Yellow-brown patches with distorted tips: Inspect the lower leaf surface for grey-purple downy mildew growth. Separate the plant, avoid splashing and shared tools, and remove infected material before it spreads.

Skin contact and ingestion safety

Coleus scutellarioides can cause mild irritation. Contact with the leaves may irritate the skin, and repeated exposure can trigger an allergic red rash in sensitive people. Ingestion may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

Keep the plant and discarded cuttings away from children and pets. Wear gloves if your skin reacts during pruning, then wash hands and tools. After human ingestion, contact a local poison centre for advice; after pet chewing, contact a veterinarian or animal poison service. Seek urgent help for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, breathing problems or collapse.

What scutellarioides means

The species epithet scutellarioides means “resembling Scutellaria”. The name records a resemblance to the skullcap genus.