About Coleus argentatus (S.T.Blake) P.I.Forst. & T.C.Wilson
Coleus argentatus (S.T.Blake) P.I.Forst. & T.C.Wilson is a spreading deciduous shrub that grows 1 meter (3 feet) tall and wide. Its hairy leaves are ovate to broad-ovate, measuring 5–11.5 cm long and 3–5.5 cm wide, with crenate margins. The leaf hairs give the entire plant an overall sage green to silvery color. Its bluish white flowers are carried on terminal racemes that can reach up to 30 cm (12 in) in length. This species was originally described by Queensland botanist Stanley Thatcher Blake. Its specific epithet argentatus is Latin for "silver", a name chosen in reference to its silvery foliage. In cultivation, Coleus argentatus is grown as an ornamental bedding plant in temperate regions, valued for its attractive silvery foliage. It roots easily from cuttings, and can also be grown from seed as a half-hardy annual. It has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
