A series of Flamethrower grows at Hammond Research Station. Notice the compact nature and reduced flowering of most varieties.
The FlameThrower coleus series can be identified by its uniquely shaped thin and ruffled foliage that stands out in any landscape, providing wonderful texture. Combine that with bold, long-lasting colors, and you have one of the hottest bedding plants for the summer. These compact coleus are great for any Louisiana landscape. FlameThrower coleus joins Henna coleus as a Louisiana Super Plant selection. FlameThrower coleus thrives in full sun but can handle some light shade and does best in well-drained soils. Like most coleus, FlameThrower is a low-maintenance landscape plant, and this series is extra special because it is one of the last to flower in the landscape. In fact, in trials at the Hammond Research Station, some cultivars had not yet started flowering by the time they were removed from the landscape at the end of the season. This is important because coleus is often sought after solely for its vividly colored and highly textured foliage, but its flowers are traditionally unwanted. However, when they do flower there will be an influx of pollinators in the garden. You can leave them or remove them at your discretion. Pinch off spires of flowers down one full leaf set below the flower spike to keep plants compact.
Currently, there are nine spicy cultivars of FlameThrower coleus, including Cajun Spice, Sriracha, Salsa Roja, Serrano, Salsa Verde, Habanero, Chili Pepper, Chipotle and Spiced Curry.
A series of Flamethrower grows at Hammond Research Station.
Chipotle
Salsa Verde
Spiced Curry
Habanero