Swallowtail Coleus: Rippled Lemon-Yellow Leaves with Wine-Red Centers

Swallowtail Coleus

Solenostemon scutellarioides ‘Swallowtail’ (sol-en-oh-STEM-on skoot-el-lar-ee-OY-deez) delivers a spectacular display of texture and color. Its deeply scalloped, rippled leaves are a brilliant lemon yellow, each traversed by a central “river” of lettuce-green and wine-red. Growing to about 24 inches tall, this cultivar makes a bold statement in containers and borders.

Key Features

• Foliage: Uniquely textured, scalloped leaves with three-tone coloration.
• Habit: Upright to slightly spreading, reaching 2 feet tall.
• Overwintering: Can be brought indoors where not hardy (Zone 11).

Growing Conditions

Coleus prefers warm, well-drained soil and consistent moisture. Site in full sun to medium shade—colors are most vivid in full sun, softer in half-day sun. Avoid extremes: too much sun causes wilting; too much shade yields leggy growth. Pinch off flower spikes to maintain compact form and foliar emphasis.

Propagation

Sow seeds on the soil surface at 72–75°F in early spring. Root softwood cuttings from late spring through autumn.

Potential Issues

Mealybugs, scale, and whiteflies may appear under glass. Generally pest- and disease-free outdoors.

Quick Reference

Height	1–3 ft.
Spread	1–3 ft.
Growth Pace	Moderate
Light	Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture	Medium
Maintenance	Moderate
Foliage Color	Yellow, Green, Burgundy, Evergreen
Uses	Beds & Borders, Containers, Indoor Plant, Specimen, Annual