Coleus

Also known as Painted Nettle, Flame Nettle, Painted Leaf

Coleus plants produce intensely colorful, patterned leaves ranging from crimson and magenta to lime green and deep purple. Native to tropical regions from Southeast Asia to Australia, they thrive in moist, shaded environments where their square stems and opposite leaves clearly mark them as members of the mint family. Small blue-to-violet flower spikes emerge in late summer, though growers often pinch them back to preserve the plant's striking foliage energy.