Coleus is an annual grown primarily for its spectacular colorful foliage rather than its flowers. Depending on the variety, leaves can display combinations of green, burgundy, red, pink, orange, yellow, and cream, making coleus one of the easiest ways to introduce strong foliage color into a garden. It works equally well in containers, mixed annual beds, borders, and shaded areas where flowering plants may struggle. Although traditionally considered a shade plant, many modern cultivars tolerate considerably more sun, particularly when supplied with adequate moisture.
Height: Approximately 1–3 ft, depending on variety
Width: Approximately 1–2 ft
Flower time: Summer; flowers are secondary to foliage
Sun/Shade: Part shade to shade; some varieties tolerate more sun
Coleus is an annual grown primarily for its spectacular colorful foliage rather than its flowers. Depending on the variety, leaves can display combinations of green, burgundy, red, pink, orange, yellow, and cream, making coleus one of the easiest ways to introduce strong foliage color into a garden. It works equally well in containers, mixed annual beds, borders, and shaded areas where flowering plants may struggle. Although traditionally considered a shade plant, many modern cultivars tolerate considerably more sun, particularly when supplied with adequate moisture.
Height: Approximately 1–3 ft, depending on variety
Width: Approximately 1–2 ft
Flower time: Summer; flowers are secondary to foliage
Sun/Shade: Part shade to shade; some varieties tolerate more sun
