Coleus stands out among foliage plants with its intricate and vibrant leaf patterns. While commonly grown in containers, it thrives just as well, often larger, when planted in garden beds.

In its native range, coleus is an herbaceous perennial, but it is typically treated as an annual in most gardens. Recent breeding efforts have produced varieties suited for full sun, partial shade, or full shade. With a wide array of colors, sizes, and leaf shapes available, coleus has become a versatile choice for adding color and contrast to both container gardens and flowerbeds.

Coleus Overview

  • Genus Name: Coleus (formerly Solenostemon)
  • Common Name: Coleus
  • Additional Common Names: Flame nettle, Hullwort, Spurflower, Flybush
  • Plant Type: Annual, Houseplant
  • Light Requirements: Part Sun, Shade, Sun
  • Height: 8 to 40 inches
  • Width: 6 to 30 inches
  • Foliage Colors: Blue/Green, Chartreuse/Gold, Purple/Burgundy
  • Special Features: Good for Containers, Low Maintenance
  • Hardiness Zones: 10, 11, 9
  • Propagation: Seed, Stem Cuttings

Where to Plant Coleus

The choice of planting location for coleus depends on whether you have a shade-loving or sun-loving variety. Select a spot based on plant tags or online information, ensuring it is sheltered from strong winds and has good drainage.

Coleus can serve as beautiful edging plants in garden beds, be grouped for mass plantings, or create stunning multi-colored foliage in pots on decks. Larger varieties with multi-colored foliage excel as focal points in patio planters.

Planting Coleus

Coleus are sensitive to frost and thrive in warm temperatures. Wait until a few weeks after the last frost date when nights are consistently mild to plant them outdoors.

  • Container Planting: Use high-quality potting mix in containers. Plant coleus at the same depth as it was in the original pot, ensuring the roots are well-covered and the soil is gently firmed around the plant.
  • Garden Bed Planting: Prepare garden beds by loosening the soil with a garden fork and incorporating compost or aged manure to improve soil structure and drainage. Dig holes twice as wide as the root ball and set the plant in place. Lightly tamp the soil and apply mulch around the coleus to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.