What is Coleus?

What is Coleus?

Coleus plants give us all season color, in full sun or shade and everything in between. They are the ultimate low maintenance plant. Coleus are tender tropical plants, native to areas bordering the equator.

How fast do Coleus grow?

Coleus plants are native to Asia and Australia and boast a variety of pigmented leaves, in shades of green, pink, white, cream, yellow, maroon, and purple. The plant is often started from seed around a month and a half before the last frost. It will grow rather quickly, often reaching mature, robust size in six to nine months.

Should you buy Coleus for its leaves or its parentage?

At the end of the day, you should buy coleus for its foliage and not worry too much about its parentage. Coleus plants are widely recognized as some of the easiest plants to propagate and can be grown from seeds or cuttings.

How much water does Coleus need?

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.

How do you use coleus plants?

Large swaths of assorted coleus plantings that take on a quilt-like appearance can look luscious in a landscape or garden beds. Its vividly colored foliage also adds a decorative touch to window boxes, outdoor container gardens, and hanging baskets.

What is eating my Coleus leaves?

The primary outdoor pests for coleus are groundhogs and young rabbits. If you can protect your plants early in the season, these pests will usually turn their attention to other plants by mid-summer.

What kind of Coleus has purple leaves?

Color: Purple-black leaves This beautiful coleus variety offers velvety, deep purple-black leaves, that thrives well in moist soil. ‘Giant Exhibition Palisandra’ is an ideal choice for the shaded gardens and indoor spaces.