Coleus

 In
Coleus

Plectranthus scutellarioides
Plectranthus scutellarioides
Painted Nettle, Plectranthus
Asia; Australia; Africa
18

24 inches
12

18 inches
  • Part Sun/Shade
  • Medium
  • Flowering

About This Plant

Sun or shade; annual. Grown for vivid foliage, generally in shades of pink, purple, green and maroon. The small purple blooms are not showy. Coleus are most useful for quickly livening up a shady area with summer color. Many can handle some sun, but in south-central Texas they perform much better with indirect light or shade, which deepens their color.

Although planted as a warm-season annual, coleus can easily rot if over-watered. They grow quickly to 2 feet or more, and benefit from having their growing tips periodically pinched back, to avoid becoming too leggy. Suggested spacing is 16-20 inches, considering their eventual size.

The name “coleus” is used to refer to many cultivars and hybrids of this species and others.

Maintenance

A warm season annual. Water to establish. Expect multiple summer groomings (pinching back the growing tips) to prevent plants becoming leggy. Coleus will linger until autumn but won’t survive freezing weather.

Features

Plant Type:
Annuals
Size:
18-24" H, 12-18" W
Sunlight Requirements:
Part Sun/Shade
Soil Types:
Clay, Sandy, Well drained
Wildlife:
Flower Color:
Purple
Bloom Time:
May, June, July, August, September
Freeze Hardy:
Yes
Invasive:
No
Caution:
None
Coupon Eligible:
No

This plant goes well with

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