Crazy for Coleus.

Fishnet Stockings, Dipt in Wine, Keystone Kopper, Marooned. Sounds like a night out gone bad, right? Actually these are all names of Coleus – a plant that is fast becoming one of the most popular with gardeners. Many of you already know it is one of my all-time favorite annuals to use. This is not your grandmother’s Coleus; this is one of the most versatile plants on the market. There are upright varieties, sprawling varieties, mounding varieties. Even sun-loving varieties. 

Many of you also know that I am a huge fan of all-foliage containers and Coleus is one of the major players in those designs. It’s beautiful and plays nicely with so many other great foliage plants. Coleus is a relatively easy-going plant but there are a few tips to guarantee growing success, whether you are using it in containers or your gardens.

Coleus Tips

  1. First, and most important is to plant Coleus in good soil. It should not be heavy and needs to drain well as Coleus resents having wet feet and will let you know by rotting and dying. 
  2. Coleus needs the right light and whether that is sun or shade really depends on the variety. Many of the deeper colored reds and oranges like a bit more sun. Those with the name ‘Florida’ or ‘Solar’ or ‘Red’ give you a hint as to their sun requirements.  I have found that ‘Fishnet Stockings’ prefers more shade and will get crispy in too much sun.
  3. Coleus does not like wet feet, but it also does not like to dry out – consistent moisture is key. I feed my Coleus every few weeks with an all-purpose fertilizer. This is especially important in containers as much of your minerals leach out of the container with watering.
  4. While you might be reading this and thinking to rush right out and buy Coleus, wait. Coleus does NOT like cold. This foliage all-star will perform best when soil has warmed and evening temperatures are consistently in the 60’s. Here in New England we have at least two more months to wait. In the meantime you can drool over some beautiful varieties here.
  5. Finally, you can pinch out any flowers to conserve energy and control plant growth. Or you can leave the flowers for the bees and other pollinators. ‘Sedona’ has a particularly beautiful purplish flower that looks very attractive against its terra cotta-colored foliage.

Coleus Gallery