Use coleus when you want color from leaves rather than waiting for flowers. Choose the plant by its mature size and the light available, then keep the soil from drying out for long stretches. Some varieties tolerate more sun than others, so check the label instead of treating all coleus alike.
Choose leaves and a growth habit that fit
Coleus has been grown in gardens since the 1850s. Its leaves can be bright magenta, yellow and many tones between, with shapes ranging from fairly simple to deeply frilled. It works in pots or in a garden bed. Some plants trail, some stay compact and some become tall enough to crowd their smaller neighbors over a season. Size matters as much as color when you are standing in front of a display of young plants.
Before buying, decide whether you need a low plant at the edge of a container or something with more height behind it. Check the tag for the particular cultivar’s mature size and sun needs. Our container basics article can help you plan the space around it, rather than squeezing several plants into a pot that will soon be full.
Give it warmth, water and suitable light
Coleus is a tropical plant commonly grown as an annual where winters are cold. Wait for warm conditions before putting it outdoors. Some varieties can handle full sun while others appreciate shade, especially in hot weather. If the leaves suffer in a sunny spot, check whether that particular plant would be happier with some protection and steadier moisture. Do not leave the soil soggy, but do not put coleus where watering is easily forgotten.
As nights cool in fall, outdoor growth will slow and cold can damage the plant. Nights near 50 degrees are a cue to check the forecast, not a temperature at which every coleus suddenly dies. You can bring a plant indoors to try to keep it through winter if you have a suitable place for it. See our potted-plant article for another reminder to keep an eye on containers as conditions change.
Pinch back what grows out of place
If a stem gets taller than you want, pinch its tip to encourage a bushier shape. You can also remove flower spikes if you prefer to keep attention on the leaves; leave them if you want to see the plant flower or try collecting seed. These are choices about the look you want, not chores every coleus requires.
In early fall, the foliage can sit beside mums or ornamental kale while the weather stays mild. Nature’s Friends Landscaping can help choose a variety whose color and eventual size work with the rest of a planting. For more seasonal color ideas, see Pick the Best Annuals.
