Last Updated on March 27, 2024 by April
Coleus, part of the mint family Lamiaceae, is a vividly colored foliage plant that has become a garden favorite. With their striking leaves, coleus plants can inject playful color into shady areas where flowers may not thrive.
These versatile plants are loved for their variety of leaf shapes, sizes, and astonishing colors, ranging from neon greens to deep burgundy, encompassing an entire spectrum of shades.
Gardeners can select from several types of coleus, each type bringing its unique aesthetic to the mix.
The “Wizard” series is known for its tolerance to shade and the “Kong” series for its large leaves, which can add a touch of the dramatic to any garden. On the other hand, “Fairway” coleus boasts a more compact form, ideal for those who have limited space but still wish for a splash of color.
With patterns splashed, spotted, or even veined in contrasting hues, coleus plants offer a tapestry of color to play with in garden design.
Caring for coleus is also relatively straightforward, making them an excellent candidate for novice and experienced gardeners.
They thrive in moist, well-drained soil and enjoy environments out of direct, harsh sunlight.
This adaptability means they are just as at home in containers and hanging baskets as they are in a traditional garden setting.
The ease of growing and propagating coleus enhances their appeal, allowing garden enthusiasts to create a diverse display of foliage year after year.
Popular Coleus Varieties
Coleus plants are known for their stunning foliage, which comes in a variety of colors, patterns, and sizes. These popular varieties showcase the diversity and beauty found within the coleus species.
Wizard Jade
Wizard Jade features pale green leaves with a subtle hint of creamy white edges, making it a serene addition to any shade garden.
Elbrighto Coleus
With leaves that burst in shades of red and yellow, Elbrighto Coleus is a vibrant showstopper.
Kong Red
Kong Red boasts large, heart-shaped leaves drenched in deep red, edged with a contrasting margin.
Wizard Sunrise
The warm tones of yellow and red mimic a morning glow in Wizard Sunrise, a radiant choice for any planter.
Wizard Rose
Bright pink and green patterns adorn the foliage of Wizard Rose, a charming variety for mixed displays.
Dragon Heart
With a fiery blend of red and chartreuse, the pointed leaves of Dragon Heart create a bold visual impact.
Campfire Coleus
As the name suggests, Campire Coleus has leaves with a fiery mix of red and orange, reminiscent of a campfire’s flames.
Wizard Scarlet
Wizard Scarlet features rich, red leaves edged with dark green, a classic look for this dramatic plant.
Chocolate Covered Cherry
Dark burgundy leaves with pink centers give Chocolate Covered Cherry a mouth-watering appearance.
ColorBlaze Wicked Witch
Lustrous, near-black foliage defines ColorBlaze Wicked Witch, a tantalizingly dark selection.
Wizard Sunset
Orange and yellow hues blend seamlessly in Wizard Sunset, offering the perfect end-of-day coloration.
Henna Coleus
Henna Coleus is known for its coppery-orange leaves that fold upward, showcasing a burgundy underside.
Freckles Coleus
Bright green leaves speckled with burgundy spots make Freckles Coleus a playful and unique choice.
Pineapple Surprise
Splashes of yellow on green mimic the skin of a pineapple in the cheerful Pineapple Surprise variety.
Black Dragon Coleus
Dramatic dark leaves with deep purple undertones are the hallmark of the Black Dragon Coleus.
Trusty Rusty
The warm rust and golden tones of Trusty Rusty offer a cozy ambiance to any garden area.
FlameThrower
Bright and fiery, FlameThrower coleus features leaves in a spectrum of red, orange, and yellow.
Big Red Judy
With its oversized, deep red foliage, Big Red Judy makes a strong statement.
French Quarter
Elegant and lively, French Quarter coleus has a blend of pink and green, reminiscent of festive Mardi Gras colors.
Lava Rose
Lava Rose captivates with a medley of red and green, creating a visual effect similar to molten lava.
Oxblood Coleus
Oxblood Coleus, with its rich, deep red-maroon leaves, adds a touch of sophistication.
Copperhead Coleus
The iridescent copper hue of Copperhead Coleus leaves reflects sunlight for a shimmering display.
Garnet Robe
Deep burgundy leaves edged with bright green, Garnet Robe coleus evokes the luxury of a gemstone.
Rustic Orange
Evoking autumnal warmth, Rustic Orange has a muted orange tone that brings coziness to any setting.
Watermelon
Bright green edges with vibrant pink and red centers give Watermelon coleus a refreshing, summery vibe.
Inferno Coleus
The blazing red foliage of Inferno Coleus is like a living flame, perfect for adding heat to a cool palette.
Coleus Vulcan
Bright red leaves edged in neon green make Coleus Vulcan a striking addition to the landscape.
Stained Glassworks Velvet
Rich, velvety burgundy leaves with a touch of lime green make Stained Glassworks Velvet unforgettable.
Superfine Rainbow Volcano
A tapestry of color, Superfine Rainbow Volcano displays a vibrant mix of reds, oranges, and yellows.
Wizard Red Velvet
Plush, velvety leaves in dark red showcase the richness of Wizard Red Velvet.
Fishnet Stockings
The unique pattern of dark veins over lime green leaves distinguishes Fishnet Stockings from other varieties.
Main Street Sunset Boulevard
Rolled out like a carpet of sunset colors, the leaves of Main Street Sunset Boulevard are drenched in shades of red and orange.
Cultivation Requirements
Cultivating coleus successfully hinges on providing them the right environment and care in terms of sunlight, soil, and water.
Sunlight Preferences
Coleus plants thrive in a variety of light conditions, but they typically prefer bright, indirect sunlight.
Too much direct sunlight can cause their vivid leaf colors to fade, so placing them in a spot that receives filtered light is ideal.
Soil Conditions
Well-draining soil is crucial for coleus plants to prevent root rot.
A mixture of peat, perlite, and compost is conducive for their growth. They favor a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
- Components for soil mixture:
- Peat moss
- Perlite
- Compost
Watering Needs
Coleus plants require consistent moisture, but they don’t tolerate being waterlogged.
Water them when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
- Watering frequency: Depending on the environment, water when topsoil is dry
- Pro tip: Potted coleus may need more frequent watering than garden-planted ones
Design and Landscaping Uses
Coleus offers a vibrant palette for garden designs and can elevate the visual appeal of any space. These plants fit seamlessly into various landscaping styles due to their diversity in color and form.
Container Gardening
Coleus thrives in pots, where their bold foliage brings a splash of color to patios and balconies. They’re often featured as the focal point in container arrangements.
- Single-Plant Pots: Ideal for highlighting an individual coleus’s coloration and shape.
- Group Plantings: Mixing coleus varieties creates a tapestry of textures and hues.
Border Planting
In flower beds, coleus serves as an excellent edging plant, defining garden spaces with its lush leaves.
- Height Variability: Shorter coleus in the front and taller varieties towards the back.
- Color Coordination: Pairing with flowering plants for a cohesive color scheme.
Accent Features
Used as accent features, these plants can break the monotony of green spaces and draw the eye.
- Solitary Accents: A single, well-positioned coleus can stand out amidst a sea of green.
- Group Accents: Clusters of coleus can form a vivid focal point in any garden design.
So many beautiful choices! Thanks for sharing this.
P.M.