Easy-to-grow coleus plants aren’t just shade plants anymore. Heat and sun-tolerant varieties are widely available, making them a popular choice for any outdoor planting. Their bold and beautiful foliage make them the center of attention no matter where they’re planted. Although technically an evergreen perennial, coleus are usually grown as annuals because these tender tropical plants can’t handle even the slightest frost.
Red Coleus Plant
Maintenance:
Keep plants looking tidy and maintain their size and shape by pinching or trimming stem tips. To promote denser and more compact growth, pinch out flower spikes before they elongate. Since coleus are mainly grown for their vibrant colors, there’s no need to waste the plant’s energy on flowering or setting seed.
Soil:
Coleus thrives in any average, moist, but well-draining soil. Use a high-quality, well-draining potting soil in containers.
Amendments & fertilizer:
Coleus does best with regular fertilizing. Feed in-ground plants monthly with a water-soluble or liquid fertilizer—to promote lusher growth and richer leaf colors. For containers, add a slow-release fertilizer at the time of planting and supplement with water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks, or as needed
Watering:
Water regularly. Coleus are thirsty plants, so keep the soil moist. However, avoid overly damp soil, as this can cause leaf drop or root rot. We recommend using self-watering containers.
Growing indoors:
Coleus do quite well when overwintered indoors as a houseplant. Use good potting soil and place them in a sunny windowsill, rotating occasionally to provide even lighting. Provide supplement light with grow lights if needed.
Propagation:
Many gardeners propagate new coleus plants from cuttings in early fall to overwinter indoors
