Botanical Name: Plectranthus scutellarioides ‘Volcanica™ Wasabi’

Common Name: Coleus

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

Size: 14–18" Tall × 14–18" Spread

Growth Habit: Compact, Upright, Well-Branched Habit

Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade (Excellent 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-Green Foliage, Compact Habit, Strong Stems, Excellent Heat Tolerance

Uses: Ideal for Containers, Edging, Borders, 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 ‘Volcanica™ Wasabi’

Coleus ‘Volcanica™ Wasabi’ delivers clean, vibrant chartreuse foliage in a compact, well-controlled form. The bright lime-green leaves bring instant energy to containers and garden beds, acting as a natural highlighter that brightens surrounding plants.

As part of the Volcanica™ series, this variety was bred for strong sun tolerance, compact growth, and excellent heat performance. Unlike older chartreuse coleus that faded or scorched in full sun, ‘Wasabi’ maintains crisp color and tidy structure throughout the growing season.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, ‘Volcanica™ Wasabi’ has been exceptionally reliable in both full sun and partial shade. It fills in evenly, holds its compact habit without pinching, and keeps its bright coloration even during peak summer heat.

We especially appreciate its versatility. It works beautifully as a container filler, edging plant, or mass planting where uniform chartreuse color creates a striking visual effect. It pairs exceptionally well with dark coleus, flowering annuals, and grasses.

Volcanica™ Wasabi vs Other Coleus

‘Volcanica™ Wasabi’ sits firmly in the lime-green category alongside ‘ChargedUp™ Electric Lime’, ‘Bonnie Gold’, and ‘Pineapple’, but it offers a more refined, blended look than the other. Where Electric Lime is sharp and neon and Pineapple leans yellow, Wasabi stays cooler and more controlled, making it easier to integrate into mixed plantings without overpowering neighbors. This subtlety allows it to function as a unifying foliage element rather than a competing focal point.

Compared to upright lime selections like ‘Down Town® Vegas Neon’ or ‘FlameThrower™ Salsa Verde’, Wasabi reads calmer and more polished. Salsa Verde brings aggressive serration and heat-driven vigor, while Wasabi maintains smoother leaf edges and a more predictable habit. This makes Wasabi a safer choice for designers prioritizing balance over drama, fitting into both contemporary and traditional designs where restraint matters.

Against mid-sized upright standards such as ‘Main Street Wall Street’ and ‘Alabama’, Wasabi feels lighter and more contemporary. Wall Street brings structure and density, while Alabama carries heritage color tones. Wasabi excels where brightness and cohesion are needed without stealing focus. For gardeners looking for a clean, modern lime-green coleus that blends effortlessly while still brightening the planting, ‘Volcanica™ Wasabi’ is an ideal choice.