Identifying a Mystery Plant: Could It Be Coleus?

A plant purchased at a Kentucky roadside sale with colorful foliage but no flowers is likely a coleus (Coleus sp.). Coleus are grown for vibrant leaves; flowers appear as slender spikes with small blooms when the plant gets plenty of light outdoors.

How to Confirm

• Search "red/purple coleus leaf" for leaf match.
• Search "coleus flower pictures" to recognize future blooms.
• Stem center should be watery, not woody.
• Take a cutting to a local garden center for positive ID.

Coleus root easily in water. Provide bright light for best color and eventual flowering.