How to Grow Coleus Plant Profile

Long a part of garden landscapes, recent coleus hybrids are more colorful and variegated than ever before. Today’s gardeners have many coleus choices available to them from this attractive shade plant.

Cultivation Information and How to Grow Coleus

Botanical and Common Name – The scientific name of coleus is Coleus hybridus and the plant is usually called by the name “Coleus”, but other common names include Flame Nettle and Painted Nettle.

Plant Category – Coleus plants are frost tender perennials that are usually grown as annuals.

Bloom Time and Color – Coleus is grown for the colorful and variegated foliage although it does produce light blue flower spikes.

Foliage – The leaves of the coleus plant are highly decorative, often textured or with interesting shape, the colors are especially bright. Reds, pinks, greens and purples are often seen with heavy variegation possible.

Growth Habit – Coleus is a generally upright growing plant that creates colorful accents in container plantings.

Dimensions – Coleus can reach between one and three feet tall with a spread of eight to twelve inches.

Maintenance – Coleus needs little maintenance beyond regular watering.

Pests or Diseases – Few pests or diseases disturb coleus, making it ideal for container plantings where overcrowding can cause problems for more disease-prone plants.

Propagation Methods – While most gardeners purchase coleus from garden centers and nurseries as already started plants, it is easy to grow from cuttings. Starting coleus from seeds can be slightly more difficult but many gardeners have had success doing so when starting indoors eight to ten weeks before the last frost date.

Using Coleus in the Garden

Preferred Conditions – Coleus prefers rich, evenly moist soil and will grow in part to full shade.

Companion Plants – Grow coleus with other foliage plants such as hosta, ferns or bergenia. Use colorful shade container plants to create interesting focal points, by pairing coleus with purple fountain grass, verbena, and impatiens.

Seasons of Interest – As an annual plant, coleus does not overwinter in the garden, so gardeners can expect coleus to provide colorful accents to the landscape from last frost to first frost only.

Uses in the Garden – Use coleus anywhere bright color is needed in full or part shade. Anecdotally, the coleus with darker colored leaves will tolerate brighter sun than the varieties with lighter foliage. Many gardeners use coleus in containers, as edging plants, near ponds or water accents, along walkways, hanging baskets, porch rail planters and in small garden spaces.

With so many fantastic garden uses, it’s no wonder that coleus is a staple for many landscapes and containers.