The Majestic Beauty of Dark Purple Coleus Plants
With their stunning dark foliage, dark purple coleus plants are some of the most coveted varieties for adding dramatic color to gardens and containers. Ranging from deep purple to nearly black, these mesmerizing plants are easy to grow and make a bold statement wherever they are planted. In this article, we will explore some of the top dark purple coleus varieties and provide tips for successfully growing these beauties.
Why Grow Dark Purple Coleus?
Before diving into specific varieties, let’s look at why you should consider incorporating dark purple coleus into your outdoor space:
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Striking Color – The rich, saturated tones provide incredible visual impact and contrast They make an eye-catching focal point
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Versatile Performance – Coleus thrives in sun or shade, so you can use it in a wide range of garden conditions.
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Continuous Color – Coleus keeps its remarkable colors all season without fading. It blooms sparsely so its emphasis is on fabulous foliage.
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Fast Growth – These fast-growing annuals fill out quickly, making a big display in one season.
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Low Maintenance – Coleus is drought tolerant and has few pest or disease problems. Just give it regular water and it will flourish.
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Endless Options – With the array of dark varieties available, it is easy to find a look you love. Mix and match for custom combinations.
Top Dark Purple Coleus Variety Picks
Now let’s look at some of the top choices for deep, dramatic purple coleus varieties:
Black Dragon – Near black scalloped leaves with lime green margins make this a showstopper. Grows 18-30 inches tall.
Royalty – Deep purple leaves with hot pink centers shout richness. Grows 14-20 inches tall.
Black Prince – A classic dark purple with green undertones. Grows 24-30 inches tall.
Queen Victoria – Deeply ruffled, velvety dark leaves. Grows 12-18 inches tall.
Burgundy Sun – Rich burgundy red leaves. Grows 24-30 inches tall.
Blackberry Waffles – Uniquely quilted dark purple leaves. Grows 16-24 inches tall.
Purple Oak – Finely cut, oak-shaped leaves in blackish purple. Grows 12-18 inches tall.
Black Coral – Inky purple, nearly black color. Grows 12-18 inches tall.
Ruby Ruffles – Dramatic ruffled leaves in black-red. Grows 12-18 inches tall.
Trailing Black Current – Deep purple trailing variety. Grows 6-12 inches tall.
Velvet Elizabeth – Frilly, delicate dark purple leaves. Grows 15-25 inches tall.
Black Beauty – Ruffled purple-black leaves. Grows 16-22 inches tall.
Care Tips for Growing Dark Purple Coleus
To get the most from your moody dark coleus, follow these simple care tips:
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Sun Exposure – Coleus thrives in full sun to part shade. More sun intensifies its colors.
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Soil – Rich, well-draining soil is ideal. Amend with compost to improve drainage.
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Watering – Keep soil evenly moist. Allow to dry slightly between waterings.
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Fertilizer – Feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer to support growth and color.
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Pruning – Pinching back stems encourages full, bushy growth. Remove flower spikes.
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Overwintering – Take cuttings in late summer to have young plants for next year.
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Mulch – Apply a layer of chopped leaves, bark, or other organic matter to retain moisture.
Creative Ways to Use Dark Purple Coleus
Looking for ideas on how to showcase deep purple coleus in your garden landscape? Consider these captivating ways to utilize its dramatic colors:
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Container Thriller – Use as the thriller plant in a container design for maximum impact.
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Border Punch – Line a flower bed or garden path for a pop of visual excitement.
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Focal Point – Plant in the center of a container or bed as the star attraction.
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Edge Highlight – Edge a garden or planter box to define and highlight the space.
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Shade Solution – The bold colors light up shady areas. Use it as bright filler under trees or tall plants.
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Foliage Mix – Blend with chartreuse, silver, or golden foliage for stunning combinations.
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Cut Stems – Cut branches to bring its moody elegance indoors in arrangements.
Make a Bold Statement with Dark Purple Coleus
If you are looking to give your garden depth, dimension, and drama, dark purple coleus is an excellent choice. With many varieties to select from in rich, regal tones from deep purple to near black, it is easy to find a look you will love in your outdoor space. Low maintenance and versatile, yet high impact, these vivid beauties are sure to make your landscape shine. Give dark purple coleus a try this season for an easy way to add majestic beauty to your garden.
What are the Different Coleus Colors
FAQ
How do you take care of purple coleus?
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Proven Winnershttps://www.provenwinners.comColeus – The Ultimate Care & Growing Guide for Vibrant FoliageSoil: Coleus prefers rich soil with good drainage. Compacted, clay or poorly draining soil can lead to root rot. Watering: Coleus plants do best with evenly moi…
Do coleus like full sun or shade?
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Sunlight Tolerance:Coleus are generally shade-tolerant, but newer varieties are bred for full sun exposure.
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Foliage Color:Many varieties, especially those with vibrant colors, will show their best colors in full sun.
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Protection from Intense Sun:While coleus can tolerate full sun, they often benefit from some protection from the hottest part of the day.
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Newer Varieties:Many newer coleus varieties, like the Colorblaze series from Proven Winners, are specifically bred to handle full sun.
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Acclimation:If transitioning coleus from shade to full sun, it’s crucial to acclimate them gradually to avoid leaf burn.
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Watering:Coleus in full sun may require more frequent watering, especially in hot and windy conditions.
Do coleus come back every year?
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Native Range:Coleus are native to tropical regions and are naturally perennial.
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Temperatures:They are sensitive to cold and freezing temperatures, so they won’t survive the winter outdoors in many areas.
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Temperate Climates:In temperate climates, they are typically grown as annuals, meaning they are replanted each spring after the last frost.
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Overwintering:To try and keep them for multiple years, you can bring them indoors before the first frost and overwinter them.
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Cuttings:Alternatively, you can take cuttings from healthy plants in the summer and propagate them to create new plants for the following season.
Does coleus do better in pots or the ground?
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Flexibility:You can easily move them to a different location, change the sun exposure, or bring them indoors during cold weather.
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Controlled Soil:You have more control over the soil mix, ensuring it’s well-draining and rich in nutrients, which coleus prefer.
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Aesthetic Appeal:Potted coleus can be arranged in unique combinations, such as in window boxes, hanging baskets, or mixed containers.
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Ease of Care:Watering and fertilizing are easier to manage when plants are in pots.
Do coleus plants have purple leaves?
You can’t beat Coleus plants for their fast growth rate, ease of care, and uniquely colorful foliage. Some of the varieties here have predominantly purple foliage. Some are even near black. While others have purple or burgundy mixed in with other colors in their leaves. Some are short, some are tall, and some are even trailing.
How many purple Coleus varieties are there?
Keep scrolling to check out 48 stunning purple coleus varieties. You can’t beat Coleus plants for their fast growth rate, ease of care, and uniquely colorful foliage. Some of the varieties here have predominantly purple foliage. Some are even near black. While others have purple or burgundy mixed in with other colors in their leaves.
Is black lace a purple Coleus?
‘Black Lace’ is a captivating purple coleus variety with lacy foliage that adds an intricate and delicate touch to your garden, creating a striking contrast against its deep purple color. 21.
What is a purple emperor Coleus?
‘Purple Emperor’ is a majestic coleus variety that rules with its deep purple foliage fit for royalty, adding an air of grandeur and opulence to your garden. 35.
Is Apocalypse a purple Coleus?
‘Apocalypse’ is one of the captivating purple coleus varieties that boasts intense foliage resembling a stormy sky with shades of purple. 20. Black Lace Botanical Name: Coleus ‘Black Lace’
What is a regal purple Coleus?
Botanical Name: Coleus ‘Royalty’ A regal purple coleus that reigns with its majestic foliage, displaying vibrant purple tones fit for a king or queen, the Coleus ‘Royalty’ is perfect for adding a touch of grandeur.