These cookies are completely safe and secure and will never contain any sensitive information. Learn more. Coleus plants are eye-dazzlers and easy-going with impossibly colorful leaves. Coleus Coleus blumei are tender tropical plants grown for their leaves, not for their flowers. The leaf patterns are distinctly on the wild side — spotted, splashed, and artistically edged in shades of color ranging from purple, yellow, pink, intense red, and luminous chartreuse.
Coleus thrives in heat. For generations, rooted cuttings of fancy coleus plants were simply passed along from one gardener to another but the market opened up in recent years and the selection of coleus varieties is now bigger than ever.
Gardeners have always found creative ways to use coleus. In the 19th century, Coleus were the stars of Victorian bedding schemes : one older garden book contains tantalizing references to coleus mosaics, including a profile of George Washington in coleus at the Boston Public Gardens. They will do best in rich, loose soil, so amending with compost or peat moss before planting is advised unless you have very good soil. Coleus is a classic part-shade to full-shade plant , but light exposure depends on the variety.
The old-fashioned seed-grown coleus does best in part shade to full shade, but the newer cultivars have their best color if grown where they can receive more sun. However, it also depends on your climate. If you live in a hot, dry area, all types will need some shade, especially in the afternoon. In cooler areas with shorter seasons, the shade coleus will need more sun exposure to help them warm up.
Plants grown in containers indoors usually get plenty of light from indirect sun during the warmer brighter months but may need to be exposed to filtered sunlight during the winter. It doesn't take much, but they do need some light.
Coleus prefers consistently moist, rich, loose soil. Before planting, amend the soil with compost or another organic material. For potted plants, any good-quality peat-based potting mix will work fine. Container-grown coleus loves the loose texture of potting soil, and it always helps to start with a quality mix with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6. Provide drainage in the pot to ensure the soil isn't constantly wet, which leads to root rot.
Coleus plants grow best in soil that is consistently moist but not soggy. Mulch will help the soil retain moisture longer, but don't use cedar mulch, which can be toxic to coleus. Also, don't let the mulch touch the stems, as it can promote rot and hide slugs. Coleus in containers may need watering twice a day during hot weather. Outdoor containers may require water twice a day. Indoor plants need water only once every two or three days, or a bit more if you live in a dry climate.
As a tropical plant, coleus thrives in hot, humid conditions. In temperate climates, the barest hint of frost will spell the end of the plants. Make sure to take cuttings for propagation before the weather turns cold.
Keep indoor plants away from air conditioner vents and other cold spots. In dry climates, the plants will like some humidity from a humidifier or a bathroom environment. To take potted plants outdoors in spring, wait until the temperature is 70 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer. If you have rich soil, you may not need to feed coleus plants at all.
If you have poor soil, give the plants a monthly feeding with a balanced fertilizer mixed at half strength. Container-grown plants can benefit from a slow-release fertilizer added to the potting soil when starting a new pot. Thereafter, feed with a diluted liquid fertilizer given every one to two weeks. Container plants generally need more feeding than garden plants because frequent watering washes nutrients from the potting soil. There are many dozens of coleus cultivars available with various colors, leaf textures, and patterns.
Additional cultivars are developed each year, and garden centers tend to focus on a select few that have proven to be most popular among their customers. You may have to shop several different nurseries or online retailers to find the most unique varieties. Some types to look for include:. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 11 and warmer, where winter temperatures rarely dip below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Though usually sold as annual-like bedding plants, these tender tropical perennials can survive for years if protected from frost. Coleus move easily between gardens and seasons — just keep them indoors until all danger of spring frost has passed and evening temperatures top 55 F. When autumn approaches, bid coleus goodbye or transplant them to containers and move them inside for winter. Coleus in your planting palette opens your shade garden to exciting new levels of texture, form and vivid color.
With proper conditions and color-enhancing nutrition, coleus can make your shade gardens shine. Always read the product label and follow instructions carefully. Sevin is a registered trademark of Tessenderlo Kerley, Inc. Do you enjoy the uplifting show of spring bulbs every year? During the winter months, as outdoor gardens and flower beds sit dormant, many gardeners truly miss tending to and nurturing their plants. With flamboyant, whorled flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds, hibiscus H.
How to Create a Shade Garden with Coleus. Creating a beautiful shade garden can challenge gardeners of all skill levels, from beginners to lifelong enthusiasts. Shady nooks require a different approach — and different plants — than sunny areas that burst with blooms. But even if your garden is long on shade, it doesn't have to be short on color. Vibrant, shade-loving coleus, also known as painted or flame nettle, can help your shade garden shine.
Look Beyond Blossoms Successful shade gardens embrace low light and turn constraints into advantages. Balance Water and Light Coleus require little maintenance. Feed for Brilliant Leaves Dramatic, color-saturated coleus foliage depends on proper nutrition. Protect Against Insect Damage Coleus are prone to insects, such as mealybugs, whiteflies, and spider mites. Keep the Focus on Foliage Timely pinching and pruning helps coleus stay foliage-focused. Enjoy Coleus Indoors and Out Victorian gardeners favored coleus for intricate garden designs, exotic houseplants and striking bouquets.
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