Coleus
Coleus scutellarioides
Coleus is a vibrant foliage plant grown for its endlessly varied leaves in shades of red, pink, green, purple, and gold. Easy to grow and propagate, it is a favorite for containers and shady beds.
- Light
- Bright indirect light to part shade
- Water
- Keep evenly moist
- Difficulty
- Easy
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Overview
Coleus (Coleus scutellarioides, formerly Plectranthus scutellarioides and Solenostemon scutellarioides) is a tender perennial in the mint family (Lamiaceae), grown almost entirely for its spectacular foliage.
Its leaves come in a dazzling range of colors and patterns, from deep maroon and lime to multicolored splashes, with scalloped or fringed edges. Pinching out the small blue flower spikes keeps energy directed into the leaves.
Often grown as an annual or houseplant, coleus is fast-growing, easy to root from cuttings, and endlessly collectible.
How to identify it
Recognize coleus by its boldly colored, patterned leaves.
- Leaves: Opposite, soft, scalloped or toothed, often heart- to lance-shaped, in vivid combinations of red, pink, purple, green, and gold
- Stems: Square in cross-section, typical of the mint family
- Flowers: Small blue or white blooms on slender spikes, usually pinched off to favor foliage
- Size: 6 inches to 3 feet tall depending on variety
- Habit: Bushy and fast-growing, mounding or upright
Care & growing
Easy and rewarding with steady moisture and warmth.
- Light: Bright indirect light or part shade; many newer varieties tolerate sun, while too little light fades the colors
- Water: Keep soil evenly moist; wilts quickly if it dries out
- Soil: Rich, well-draining potting mix
- Temperature: Frost-tender; thrives above 60 F and is grown as an annual or houseplant outside the tropics
- Feeding: Balanced fertilizer during active growth
- Propagation: Very easy from stem cuttings, which root quickly in water or soil; pinch tips for bushiness
Habitat & origin
Native to tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia, Malaysia, and Australia, where it grows as a tender perennial in warm, humid, partly shaded conditions.
In temperate climates it is grown as a summer bedding annual, container plant, or year-round houseplant. It is cultivated worldwide, with countless cultivars selected for leaf color and form.
Frequently asked questions
Does coleus need sun or shade?
Traditional types prefer part shade, but many modern varieties tolerate full sun. Too little light dulls the leaf colors.
Should I let coleus flower?
Most gardeners pinch off the flower spikes to keep the plant bushy and direct energy into its colorful foliage.
How do I propagate coleus?
Very easily. Take stem cuttings and root them in water or moist soil within a couple of weeks.
Is coleus a perennial?
It is a tender perennial in tropical climates but is grown as an annual or houseplant where winters are cold.
Coleus guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Coleus.
How to Care for Coleus
Coleus dazzles with vivid patterned foliage. Give it bright indirect light, evenly moist soil, and regular pinching for a full, colorful plant.
Coleus Identification Guide
Identify coleus (Coleus scutellarioides) by its vividly colored, patterned leaves, square stems, and toothed leaf margins.
Coleus identified by the community
Real specimens identified with Plant Identifier.
