Coleus Color
Coleus are the vibrant, splashy, bold, sometimes flashy, can be gaudy plants whose foliage is the main attraction. Easy to grow and with a wide range of colors and shapes to choose from, Coleus are a creative grower’s dream.
Native to Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia and Sri Lanka, Coleus were all the rage during the Victorian era (1837-1901) when flowers beds were created with shapes and swirls resembling Persian rugs. The bold colors and velvety texture of Coleus were the perfect plants for these popular Carpet Gardens. Victorian gentry sought new Coleus cultivars to impress causing “The Great Coleus Race” and in turn, a vast range of varieties were created.
Carpet gardens aren’t for everyone but, plants that are easy to grow are.
Coleus growing tips:
Coleus do best with direct morning sun; they like the shade. With that said, they can withstand a good amount of sunlight. Keep in mind, darker colored leaves do better in partial direct sun.
Coleus spread and if they don’t have enough room, they will take over. Containers and pots are best.
Coleus are 3 season plants that can be planted as seeds or plants in mid-May and will stay colorful through fall.
Coleus flowers are spindly and take away the energy to grow plush leaves and wide plants. Prune flowers as soon as they appear.
Keep different varieties to a minimum and find a connecting color like the violet found in both the Campfire and Tapestry varieties shown here.
Seeds tend to be a “mix” and often too much color. Avoid the mix and go with what you like best by buying plants vs. seeds.
Mix in trailing varieties in window boxes for fullness above and below.
Plant Coleus in pots that can be moved inside before the first freeze. Coleus can thrive indoors in a bright room with indirect or filtered light.
Unfortunately, Coleus are toxic to cats and dogs.
Coleus are easy to propagate. Simply snip off a branch from a mature plant, put it a glass vase or jar with water and place in a spot that gets partial sun. Roots will start to pop in about 2-3 weeks.
Coleus are annuals. Propagation is a great way to have them ready for spring.
