Grown for its dramatic, colorful foliage, Coleus is a great plant for shadier areas of your garden. They also look great as the centerpiece of containers, or you could also plant a container that contains a few different colors of Coleus as well. Learn how to plant and grow Coleus right here with our detailed guide!
Table of Contents
Basic Facts
| Common Names | Coleus |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Coleus scutellarioides |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Zones | Usually grown as an annual. Can grow as a perennial in zones 10-11. |
| Foliage Colors | Reds, Pinks, Oranges, Yellows, Green, Brown. Many varieties have interesting variegated patterns. |
| Height & Spread | Most varieties tend to grow between 1-3 feet tall, but some can get slightly larger. |
How to Grow and Care For Coleus
When to Plant Coleus?
It is important to plant Coleus at the correct time as they are vulnerable to cold temperatures. Once the soil temperature reaches about 60 degrees, you can begin to safely plant your Coleus.
What Type of Soil Does Coleus Like?
Coleus does best with rich, well-draining soil, so if possible, amend the soil with compost, manure, or leaf mold when planting.
Do Coleus Need Sun or Shade?
Coleus do their best in partial to full shade, however many varieties can also tolerate full sun. As a general rule with Coleus, the foliage color will be better in shade than in full-sun, but it is best to check the instructions for the variety you are planting, just to be sure.
How Often to Water Coleus
Try and keep the soil consistently moist without overwatering. When you first plant Coleus it is especially important to keep the water moist for at least the first couple of weeks. Coleus planted in containers will need to be watered more frequently.
When to Fertilize Coleus
Use a fertilize with a balanced ratio so as to not promote excessive flowering. Once a month or so is an appropriate time frame for fertilizer applications.
Potential Pests & Diseases
- Coleus are normally resistant to most common pests and diseases if grown in proper conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you pinch off the flowers of a Coleus?
There are a few reasons why you might want to pinch off the flower blooms of a Coleus:
- It can promote the longevity of the plant.
- It can lead to a more compact, bush-like form to the plant.
- Most people plant Coleus for the wonderful foliage and see the flower blooms as boring or distracting.