Growing Coleus – Colorful Foliage for Shade and Sun

Coleus Care Guide

Pronunciation: ko'lee-us

Traditionally shade plants, many new varieties tolerate sun. Light intensity dramatically affects leaf color and plant size. Diversity of foliage color, leaf shape, and growth habit makes coleus valuable for containers and bedding, especially in shade where summer color is scarce.

Water and Fertilizer

All coleus prefer evenly moist soil. In long growing seasons, pinch stem tips regularly to encourage branching and compact growth. In containers, incorporate timed-release fertilizer at planting. Use balanced water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks for containers; in ground, once a month at half strength. Hardy only to Zone 10; cannot withstand frost. In colder climates, overwinter on sunny windowsill or take tip cuttings in early fall. Coleus root readily.

Flowers

Commonly recommended to remove blooms as they appear to maintain foliage display. Bloom is sparse on offered varieties; small lavender-blue flowers are neither unattractive nor showy—hardly worth cutting off.

For more on annual care, see our guide.