Vibrant Coleus: Foliage Stars for Shade and Sun

Few foliage plants spark as much conversation as coleus. With new, increasingly vibrant varieties arriving each year, there's a coleus for virtually every garden niche.

Color Range

Coleus offers an astonishing palette: lime, red, burgundy, apricot, salmon, and endless pattern combinations of these hues. The small lavender flower spikes are inconsequential—many gardeners remove them to keep the focus on the leaves.

Size and Habit

Plants reach 1–2 ft. tall and nearly as wide, forming bushy mounds.

Care Requirements

These tropical plants prefer bright indirect light or light shade. In general, redder foliage tolerates more sun. They need regular water and well-draining soil.

Planting Options

Coleus grows as a warm-season annual in all zones and thrives indoors in bright light. Buy mature plants, start from cuttings, or grow from seed in spring. Pinch back regularly to maintain compact, bushy growth.

Companion Plants

Pair coleus with impatiens, begonias, ornamental grasses, small phormiums, sweet potato vine, and heliotrope for stunning foliage combinations.

Whether in containers, beds, or indoor displays, coleus delivers instant, long-lasting color without relying on flowers.