How to Grow Coleus in Containers
Coleus scutellarioides (Solenostemon)
Coleus proves that foliage can be more stunning than flowers. These tropical plants explode with color - swirls, splotches, and patterns in every shade from lime green to deepest burgundy. Modern sun-tolerant varieties have revolutionized coleus, taking them from shade-only plants to stars of sunny containers. Easy to grow and even easier to propagate, coleus are the gift that keeps giving.
Best Coleus Varieties for Containers
ColorBlaze Series (Sun)
Bold colors that hold in full sun. Large, vigorous plants to 3 feet. 'Lime Time', 'Wicked Witch', 'Royale Cherry Brandy' are standouts. Best for: sun, large containers, dramatic displays.
Under the Sea Series (Sun)
Unique leaf shapes resembling sea creatures. 'Red Coral', 'Seahorse', 'Starfish'. Sun tolerant with excellent branching. Best for: unique appearance, conversation pieces.
Campfire (Sun)
Stunning rust-orange foliage that glows in sunlight. Heat loving. Dramatic color that works as thriller or spiller. Best for: hot sites, warm color schemes.
Kong Series (Shade)
Huge leaves (up to 6 inches!) in dramatic color combinations. Need shade. Statement plants for containers. Best for: shade, maximum foliage impact.
Common Problems and Solutions
Faded or Bleached Colors
Shade coleus in too much sun, or sun coleus in too much shade. Match variety to light. Some fading in extreme heat is normal - colors return as temps cool.
Leggy, Sparse Growth
Not enough pinching! Pinch tips regularly to encourage branching. Also check light - shade coleus may need brighter spot. Start pinching early and often.
Flowering and Decline
Flowers signal the end - coleus decline after flowering. Remove flower spikes immediately when they appear. Keep pinching throughout season.
Dramatic Wilting
Coleus are drama queens about water. Usually recovers with watering. If soil is wet, check for root rot. Container coleus often need daily water in heat.
Mealybugs
White cottony pests in leaf axils. Treat with insecticidal soap or rubbing alcohol on cotton swab. Isolate affected plants. Can spread quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do coleus need sun or shade?
It depends on the variety! Traditional coleus prefer shade or filtered light. Modern sun-tolerant varieties (like ColorBlaze, Under the Sea series) thrive in full sun with adequate water. Check variety tags - sun coleus have transformed what's possible with this foliage plant.
Should I remove coleus flowers?
Yes! Pinch off flower spikes as soon as they appear. Flowering signals the plant to set seed and die (it's technically an annual). Removing flowers keeps energy directed to foliage and extends plant life. This is essential maintenance for best appearance.
How do I make coleus bushy?
Pinch the growing tips regularly! Each pinch encourages branching below that point. Start pinching when plants are young and have 6+ leaves. Pinch just above a leaf node. Regular pinching creates full, bushy plants rather than leggy ones.
Can I root coleus in water?
Yes! Coleus roots incredibly easily in water. Take 4-6 inch stem cuttings, remove lower leaves, place in water. Roots appear in 1-2 weeks. Pot up when roots are 1-2 inches long. This is a great way to overwinter favorites or share plants.
Why are my coleus leaves losing color?
Too much or too little light can fade colors. Shade coleus in too much sun get bleached. Sun coleus in too much shade produce less vivid colors. Match the variety to your light conditions. Some color fading in extreme heat is normal.
Can coleus survive winter?
Outdoors, coleus dies at first frost - it's tropical. But they're easy to overwinter indoors! Take cuttings in fall to root in water, or bring whole plants inside to bright windows. Often easier to take cuttings than keep mature plants alive indoors.
Why are my coleus wilting?
Coleus are dramatic about water - they wilt quickly when dry but recover fast when watered. Check soil; if dry, water thoroughly. If soil is wet and plant is wilting, check for root rot from overwatering. Containers dry out faster than ground plantings.
What colors do coleus come in?
Nearly every color except blue! Reds, oranges, yellows, greens, pinks, purples, and browns in countless combinations and patterns. Leaf shapes vary too - from traditional scalloped to oak-leaf to narrow-lobed. New varieties appear constantly.
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