Botanical Name: Plectranthus scutellarioides ‘FlameThrower™ Cajun Spice’

Common Name: Coleus

Hardiness Zone: Annual in Most Climates; Perennial in Warm Regions (USDA Zones 10–11)

Size: 24–30" Tall × 18–24" Spread

Growth Habit: Upright, Vigorous, Well-Branched Habit

Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade (Excellent Heat & Sun Tolerance)

Soil: Prefers Moist, Well-Drained, Organic-Rich Soil

Water Needs: Moderate; Consistent Moisture for Best Performance

Bloom Season: Grown for Foliage (Spring through Fall)

Fertilizer: Light, Regular Feeding During Active Growth

Features: Fiery Red-Orange Leaves with Gold and Green Accents, Exceptional Heat Tolerance, Strong Stems, Bold Texture

Uses: Ideal for Containers, Landscape Beds, Back-of-Border Plantings, Mass Plantings, and High-Impact Designs

Patent: ✔ Patented

Propagation: ❌ Propagation Prohibited Without License

See our complete Coleus Plant Guide for in depth care details.

More About Coleus ‘FlameThrower™ Cajun Spice’

Coleus ‘FlameThrower™ Cajun Spice’ lives up to its name with explosive foliage color that blends hot reds, oranges, golds, and green undertones. The leaves have a flame-like pattern that becomes even more intense in bright sun, creating dramatic contrast and movement in the landscape.

As part of the FlameThrower™ series, this variety was bred specifically for extreme heat tolerance, sun performance, and vigorous growth. Unlike traditional coleus that prefer shade, ‘Cajun Spice’ thrives in full sun and high temperatures without fading or collapsing.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, ‘FlameThrower™ Cajun Spice’ has been a powerhouse performer in full sun and high-heat conditions. It grows quickly, holds strong upright form, and maintains vivid coloration through the hottest part of the season.

We especially like its scale and presence. This is a coleus that works beautifully as a statement plant—either as a container centerpiece or as a bold anchor in landscape beds. It pairs exceptionally well with dark foliage plants, grasses, and flowering annuals that need a dramatic backdrop.

FlameThrower™ Cajun Spice vs. Other Coleus

‘Cajun Spice’ is the warmest-toned coleus in this lineup, easily distinguished from cooler reds like ‘Main Street Beale Street’ or ‘Defiance’. Its fiery blends of orange, red, and burgundy create motion that darker varieties simply don’t replicate. The color shifts feel almost flame-like, giving the plant a sense of energy even at a distance.

Within the FlameThrower™ series, Cajun Spice is heavier and more grounding than ‘FlameThrower™ Salsa Verde’. Where Salsa Verde lifts designs, Cajun Spice anchors them, making the two an excellent pairing. Used together, they create a natural push-and-pull between brightness and depth.

Compared to upright standards such as ‘Down Town® Greenville’, ‘Main Street Wall Street’’, and ‘Peter’s Wonder’, Cajun Spice is the most visually active. It sacrifices uniformity for excitement, which is exactly its strength in bold landscapes. For gardeners looking for a rich, fiery Coleus that brings warmth, motion, and standout color to summer plantings, ‘FlameThrower™ Cajun Spice’ is an exceptional choice.