Coleus 'Flame Thrower Serrano'

Plant name: Coleus ‘Flame Thrower Serrano’

Scientific name: Plectranthus scutellarioides ‘Flame Thrower Serrano’

Plant description:
Coleus ‘Flame Thrower Serrano’ is a compact, high-impact foliage plant grown for its intense color and finely textured leaves. This selection forms a dense, mounded plant with a uniform growth habit, making it suitable for containers, borders, and mass plantings. Its saturated tones provide strong contrast in mixed designs and maintain consistent color through the growing season when properly maintained.

Flower description:
Like most coleus varieties, this cultivar produces small, tubular flowers on upright spikes, typically in shades of pale lavender to light blue. Flowers are not the primary ornamental feature and are often removed to direct energy toward foliage production.

Leaf description:
Leaves are narrow with serrated edges and display bold blends of deep red, copper, and burgundy tones. The finely cut margins add texture, while the rich coloration remains stable in bright conditions. The foliage maintains a clean, structured appearance when regularly pinched to encourage branching.

Deciduous or evergreen:
Tender perennial in warm climates; commonly grown as an annual in regions with cold winters.

USDA grow zones:
USDA Zones 10–11 outdoors; grown as a seasonal annual or indoor plant in cooler zones.

Mature height and width:
Typically 12–18 inches tall and 14–18 inches wide, forming a compact mound.

Landscape uses:
Effective in container arrangements, edging, mixed beds, and as a bold foliage accent. Its compact size makes it suitable for small-space gardening, patio containers, and layered color combinations. Works well as a standalone feature plant or grouped for a strong visual block of color.

Native range:
The species Plectranthus scutellarioides is native to Southeast Asia and northern Australia; modern cultivars are horticultural selections bred for color and performance.

Sun exposure:
Performs best in part sun to bright filtered light. Tolerates more sun than traditional coleus varieties, though intense afternoon exposure in hot climates may require light protection to maintain foliage quality. Adequate light strengthens color intensity.

Water requirements:
Prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil. Allow the top layer of soil to dry slightly between watering, but avoid prolonged dryness that can cause wilting and leaf drop. Container-grown plants require closer monitoring during warm weather.

Pests and problems:
May attract aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while insufficient light may cause stretching and dull coloration. Regular pinching prevents premature flowering and encourages fuller growth.

Heat and sun tolerance: Cold tolerance:
Handles warm temperatures well when soil moisture is maintained. Sensitive to frost and cold temperatures below 40°F, which can cause rapid decline.

Growing tips:
Plant in fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Pinch growing tips regularly to promote branching and maintain a compact form. Remove flower spikes to direct energy into foliage. Light feeding during the growing season supports steady color development and uniform growth. Position where the foliage tones can contrast against green or chartreuse plants for maximum visual impact.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp.  

California: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp.  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp., Cornus spp., Quercus spp., Cornus mas 

Georgia: Vaccinium spp.

Hawaii: Pinus spp. 

Idaho: Humulus lupulus, Mentha spp., Vitis spp.

Indiana: Fragraria spp., Rosa spp. 

Kansas: Juglans spp.

Michigan: Abies spp., Vaccinium spp.

Montana: Pinus spp.

Nevada: Allium spp.

Mentha spp. 

New Jersey: Rosa spp.  

New York: Vitis spp.  

Oregon: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Quercus spp., Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.

Texas: Juglans spp. 

Washington: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.  

Wisconsin: Abies spp., Pinus spp., Picea spp., Mentha spp. 

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.