Coleus 'Little Twister': Crimped Fingery Leaves with Color-Shifting Magic

Coleus 'Little Twister' (Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Little Twister'), syn. Coleus blumei var. verschaffeltii, is a mid-size cultivar perfect for filling gaps. Its crimped, fingery leaves emerge inky purple, then gradually shift to predominantly yellow with lime edges and purple veins. Deep purple stems reach 20 inches, and compact growth makes it a fabulous component of mixed containers.

Growing Conditions

Grow in full sun to medium shade; colors are most vivid in full sun. Avoid overly dry conditions. Propagate by surface-sowing seed at 72–75°F in early spring, or root softwood cuttings from late spring to autumn. Watch for mealybugs, scale, whiteflies under glass.

Key Features at a Glance

• Height: 1–3 ft.
• Spread: 1–3 ft.
• Growth Habit: Clumping, Moderate
• Light: Full Sun to Part Shade
• Moisture: Medium
• Maintenance: Moderate
• Characteristics: Showy Foliage
• Bloom Time: Summer
• Flower Color: Blue, White
• Foliage Color: Colorful/Burgundy, Evergreen
• Uses: Beds, Borders, Containers, Indoor, Specimen, Annual, Formal Garden
• Type: Perennials (grown as annual)