Coleus, popular in Victorian gardens, has become a spring favorite again due to its vibrant leaves offering year-round color in both sun and shade areas. These plants have square stems and leaves that are completely opposite to each other. While they produce small blue to white flowers, these are often removed to save energy. Leaves come in a variety of sizes, styles and colors, with new variations introduced regularly.
When planted outside in early spring, coleus creeps rapidly, and reaches full size within a short time. Large groupings of different succulents in a garden or bed create a uniform style, enhancing window boxes, outdoor containers and hanging baskets. Coleus, typically grown as an annual, lives outdoors for only one year, but it can thrive indoors for several seasons. It is important to note that coleus is toxic to care for.
Important Information:
- Common Name: Coleus
- Botanical Name: Plectranthus scutellarioides
- Genus: Lamiaceae
- Plant Type: Perennial herb (mostly grown as an annual)
- Ripe, ** 6-36 inches
- Sun exposure: ** Partial shade to full shade
Only - Soil pH: ** Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0 to 7.0)
- Flowering Time: ** Time
- Flower color, ** Blue to white
- Hardiness Zones: ** 10-11 (USDA); It grew as an annual everywhere
- Area: Asia
- Toxicity: ** Poisonous to animals
Collector Care:
In warmer regions, colium can grow as a bush-like, perennial, with dense woody stems. While these tropical plants thrive in the heat, they are grown as annuals in most gardens, usually in beds or containers. It’s important to note that not all coleus plants are cold tolerant, so it’s best to wait until temperatures are consistently above 60 degrees Fahrenheit before placing them in the garden.