Popular Coleus Varieties

There are numerous varieties available, each with unique colors and patterns. While it's difficult to list every type, here are some main groups and popular varieties within each group:

Large-leaved varieties:

• 'Kong Series': Known for their massive leaves in shades of green, red, and yellow with contrasting veins and patterns.
• 'Marquee Series': These plants feature large, serrated leaves with eye-catching colors and patterns.

Small-leaved varieties:

• 'Wizard Series': Compact plants with smaller leaves in a wide range of colors, including green, red, purple, and pink.
• 'Fairway Series': Another small-leaved group with various colors and patterns, perfect for container gardens or borders.

Sun-tolerant varieties:

• 'Sunlover Series': Bred to withstand full sun, these plants boast vibrant colors and patterns that don't fade in sunlight.
• 'Solar Series': Another sun-tolerant group, available in various colors and patterns, including lime green, deep purple, and red.

Trailing or cascading varieties:

• 'Lava Rose': A trailing coleus with dark purple leaves and a bright pink center.
• 'Swinging Linda': Features a unique trailing habit with lime-green leaves edged in deep burgundy.

Upright varieties:

• 'Dipt in Wine': An upright variety with green leaves featuring a wine-red center.
• 'Tilt-a-Whirl': This variety has deeply cut, swirling leaves in green and burgundy.

These are just a few examples of the many types available. With countless hybrids and cultivars, coleus offers a wide array of choices to suit any taste and garden condition.

Garden Design with Coleus

Incorporating coleus into your garden design can add a splash of color and texture to any space. Here are some ideas:

Mixed borders: Plant alongside other shade-loving plants, such as hostas, ferns, heucheras, and caladiums, to create a visually appealing border with a mix of colors, textures, and foliage shapes.

Container gardens: Combine with other plants that have similar light and moisture requirements in containers or pots. You can create striking arrangements by mixing coleus varieties with different leaf colors and patterns or by pairing them with flowering plants like impatiens, begonias, or lobelias.

Mass plantings: For a bold and dramatic effect, plant a large group of coleus together, either using a single cultivar or mixing several varieties. This can create a stunning display of colorful foliage in your garden.

Focal points: Use coleus plants with particularly vibrant or unique foliage as focal points in your garden. Plant them in a prominent location where they can be easily seen and appreciated.

Groundcovers: Some trailing or low-growing varieties can be used as groundcovers in shaded areas, providing color and texture at ground level.

Vertical interest: Plant in hanging baskets or use them in vertical garden installations. This will add an extra dimension to your garden and showcase the plant's beautiful foliage.

Edging: Use coleus plants to edge flower beds, pathways, or borders. Their colorful leaves can create a striking contrast with other plants or hardscape elements.

Transition plant: Coleus can serve as an effective transition plant between different areas of your garden or between sun and shade conditions. This can help create visual harmony and continuity in your garden design.

Indoor-outdoor connection: Since coleus can also be grown as houseplants, you can create an indoor-outdoor connection by using coleus in both your outdoor garden and indoor spaces. This can help to create a sense of unity and cohesion in your overall design.When designing your garden with coleus, consider factors such as light conditions, plant size, and complementary plants to create visually appealing and harmonious arrangements. Experiment with different color combinations, textures, and plant groupings to find the perfect design for your space.

Coleus Companion Plants

When choosing companion plants for coleus, consider those that have similar light, water, and soil requirements. Here are some great companion plants:

Impatiens: With their colorful blooms and shade-loving nature, impatiens make a great companion for coleus in shaded areas.

Begonias: Like coleus, begonias offer a wide range of colors and patterns. They can thrive in the same conditions as coleus, making them an excellent choice for a combined display.

Caladiums: Caladiums, with their strikingly patterned leaves, can provide an interesting contrast to coleus in a shade garden.

Ferns: Ferns add a delicate texture to the garden and can help to soften the bold foliage of coleus.

Heuchera (Coral Bells): Heuchera is a shade-loving perennial that offers a variety of colorful foliage, making it an attractive partner for coleus.

Hostas: Hostas come in various shades of green and blue and can create a beautiful contrast when planted alongside coleus.

Fuchsia: The vibrant flowers of fuchsia plants can add an extra pop of color to a coleus-dominated arrangement.

Lobelia: Lobelia's delicate flowers and mounding habit can complement the bold foliage of coleus.

Growing Tips

Coleus plants are relatively easy to grow and maintain, but there are some tips that can help you keep them healthy and thriving:

Light: Coleus plants can adapt to various light conditions, from partial shade to full sun. However, they generally perform best in bright, indirect light or filtered sunlight. The specific light preference of your plant may depend on its cultivar and leaf coloration. Some varieties with deeper colors can tolerate more sun, while those with lighter colors may prefer more shade.

Soil: Coleus plants prefer well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ideally in the range of 6.0 to 7.0. If planting in containers, use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix. To improve soil conditions in the ground, amend the soil with organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause the leaves to wilt or drop. Coleus plants may require more frequent watering during hot or dry periods.

Fertilizing: Coleus plants appreciate regular fertilization during the growing season. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) every 2-4 weeks, following the label instructions for the proper dosage. Alternatively, you can use a slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of the season.

Pinching and pruning: Pinch off the growing tips and flower spikes regularly to encourage bushier growth and maintain the plant's focus on its colorful foliage. Regularly remove any damaged or discolored leaves to keep the plant looking its best.

Pests and diseases: Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, and mealybugs, and treat them promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil. To prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew or root rot, ensure proper air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and maintain well-draining soil.

Overwintering: If you live in a region with frost or freezing temperatures, bring your coleus plants indoors for the winter. Place them in a bright location with filtered sunlight, and reduce watering and fertilizing during the winter months.

Propagation: Coleus plants can be easily propagated from stem cuttings. Take 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) cuttings in spring or summer and root them in a well-draining potting mix or water.

By following these tips and providing proper care, you can enjoy vibrant, healthy coleus plants in your garden or indoor spaces.

Compare all Coleus Varieties

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast does coleus grow?

Coleus plants have a relatively fast growth rate, especially during the warmer months of the growing season. You can expect a coleus plant to reach its mature size within a single growing season, which can range from 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) tall, depending on the specific cultivar. Some dwarf varieties may only reach 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) in height. The growth rate can be influenced by factors such as light, water, and fertilizer.

Is coleus easy to care for?

Yes, coleus plants are generally easy to care for, making them a popular choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners. They are relatively low-maintenance and can adapt to various light conditions, from partial shade to full sun, depending on the cultivar. Coleus plants require well-draining soil, consistent moisture, and occasional fertilization during the growing season. Regular pinching and pruning can help maintain a bushy growth habit and encourage more vibrant foliage.

Can coleus survive winter?

Coleus plants are tender perennials and are hardy in USDA zones 10-11, where they can survive mild winters. In colder climates with frost or freezing temperatures, coleus plants cannot survive outdoors during the winter. If you want to keep your coleus plants alive in colder regions, you have two options: treat them as annuals and replace them each year, or bring them indoors for the winter months. If you choose to bring them indoors, provide them with bright, filtered sunlight, and reduce watering and fertilizing during the winter months.