Botanical Name: Plectranthus scutellarioides ‘FlameThrower™ Salsa Verde’

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 (Exceptional 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: Bright Chartreuse-Lime Foliage with Subtle Texture, Extreme Heat Tolerance, Strong Stems, Bold Landscape Presence

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

Patent: ✔ Patented

Propagation: ❌ Propagation Prohibited Without License

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

More About Coleus ‘FlameThrower™ Salsa Verde’

Coleus ‘FlameThrower™ Salsa Verde’ brings pure chartreuse intensity to the landscape, delivering vibrant lime-green foliage that glows in full sun. The leaves have subtle texture and movement, allowing the color to remain bold without overwhelming surrounding plants.

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, ‘Salsa Verde’ thrives in open, sunny locations where many foliage plants struggle.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, ‘FlameThrower™ Salsa Verde’ has been a standout performer in full sun and high-heat conditions. It grows rapidly, maintains strong upright structure, and holds its chartreuse color even during peak summer temperatures.

We especially appreciate its versatility. It works beautifully as a container centerpiece, a bright backdrop in landscape beds, or a mass planting where its uniform color creates striking visual impact. It pairs exceptionally well with dark foliage plants, reds, purples, and flowering annuals.

FlameThrower™ Salsa Verde vs. Other Coleus

Salsa Verde stands apart from other lime Coleus like ‘Volcanica™ Wasabi’ and ‘ChargedUp™ Electric Lime’ due to its aggressive leaf shape and dynamic color movement. Where Wasabi is smooth and Electric Lime is uniform, Salsa Verde feels energetic and bold. Its jagged foliage and shifting tones give it a sense of motion even when planted on its own.

Within the FlameThrower™ series, Salsa Verde is brighter and lighter than ‘Cajun Spice’, offering contrast rather than heat. Cajun Spice dominates with reds and oranges, while Salsa Verde balances plantings by lifting the palette. This makes Salsa Verde especially useful for preventing darker designs from feeling heavy or closed-in.

Compared to upright lime varieties such as ‘Bonnie Gold’, ‘Pineapple’, and ‘Down Town® Vegas Neon’, Salsa Verde is the most expressive. It’s less controlled but far more dramatic, making it ideal for high-impact summer displays. For gardeners looking for a bold, lime-green coleus with movement, texture, and undeniable energy, ‘FlameThrower™ Salsa Verde’ is an outstanding choice.