Coleus

The plants grow well in moist well-drained soil. They are heat-tolerant, though they do less well in full sun in subtropical areas than in the shade. In mild areas (no snow in winter), plants can usually be kept as perennials if well managed. Whereas cultivation in colder areas, they are often grown as annuals as they are not hardy and become leggy and unattractive with age. Though this is usually resolved by pinching back growing tips to encourage bushing. In bright hot areas, the colors of the plant will typically be more intense in shaded areas than in full sun, and the plants will require less water there. Coleus also make low-maintenance houseplants, and can often be propagated by clipping a length of stem just below the leaves and putting the stem in water to root. The plant’s flowers grow on a stem above that stem’s leaves, and tend to be purple and quite small in comparison to the leaves. The plant is not generally grown for its flowers, as it promotes stem elongation (remove to halt this).

There are two ways to propagate Coleus. Seeds are inexpensive and easily obtainable. To germinate, simply sprinkle seeds on the surface soil and press down. Seeds need light to germinate, so avoid covering the seeds. To keep seeds moist, grow in a container and cover with plastic, or mist seeds daily (if starting seeds directly in the garden). Sprouts can show color in as little as two weeks. Alternatively, cuttings can be taken. Cuttings root readily in plain water, without the addition of rooting hormone (although it is still beneficial).

By our calculations*, you should look at sowing Coleus about 56 days before your last frost date .

Before transfer to garden, accustom to conditions by moving to a sheltered place outside for a week.

These plants have been known to grow well alongside Coleus so consider planting:

These plants will not grow well with Coleus so avoid planting these within close proximity:

These problems, diseases and pests are known to affect Coleus plants:

Solenostemon is a genus of perennial plants, native to tropical Africa, Asia, Australia, the East Indies, the Malay Archipelago, and the Philippines. They are commonly known as Coleus, a name which derives from an earlier classification under the genus name Coleus, species of which are currently included in either Solenostemon or another genus, Plectranthus.

Not that I could find.

Flame nettle, Painted nettle, Henna coleus, Superfine rainbow salmon lace

Coleus blumei, C. blumei var. verschaffeltii, Plectranthus scutellarioides, Ocimum scutellarioides, Solenostemon hybrida

Misspellings: Coleous, Solenostemon scutellaroides

Our when to plant Coleus estimates are relative to your last frost date. Enter your frost dates and we'll calculate your sowing and planting dates for you!

¹ http://www.aspca.org/Pet-care/poison-control/Plants/coleus.aspx