Coleus is a tropical plant with striking foliage often grown as an annual. A highly popular bedding plant during Victorian times, this member of the mint family is easy to grow, rewarding with months of continuous color.
Coleus comes in an array of foliage colors, including red, pink, orange, yellow, chartreuse, green, burgundy and purple. Leaves 1-6” long can be pointed, oval or scalloped, many with intricate veining or patterns. Coleus flower in late summer, with blue flower spikes that are often trimmed off for a neater appearance. Though most are bush types, there are trailing varieties as well.
Tolerant of sun, shade and heat, coleus is a quick grower that can be massed in the landscape, used as a filler element in a container, or allowed to cascade in a hanging basket or window box. With hundreds of different varieties to choose from, there’s a coleus to suit any garden style or color scheme.
Coleus are colorful, easy-to-grow plants that can light up any garden or indoor space. With their stunningly vivid foliage, coleus are available in a rainbow of colors and patterns that add drama to containers and garden beds.
If you’re looking to add some pizzazz to your landscaping, you may be wondering–where can I buy coleus plants? From mail-order nurseries to local garden centers, this guide will cover all the options for purchasing coleus and provide tips on getting the healthiest plants
Buying Coleus Online
Ordering coleus plants online is often the most convenient way to access the largest selection of varieties Reputable mail-order nurseries have extensive online catalogs showcasing hundreds of coleus cultivars beyond what is typically available at local stores
Online nurseries ship young coleus plants right to your door, packaged to arrive in optimum condition. This allows you to shop from home and avoid spending time driving from store to store searching for specific varieties. It also provides the most flexibility in choosing your ideal ship date.
When buying coleus online, look for nurseries that:
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Specialize in coleus and offer a wide range of varieties. A dedicated coleus grower will have the best selection.
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Provide detailed descriptions of each variety including mature size, foliage color, sun/shade requirements, and other specifics. This allows you to choose the best coleus for your needs.
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Ship healthy, vigorous young plants that arrive ready for planting. Look for guarantees of safe, live delivery.
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Have a history of excellent customer service and satisfaction. Check reviews and company policies on plant replacements if needed.
Some of the top online mail-order sources for coleus plants include:
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Rosy Dawn Gardens – Family-owned nursery offering 200+ coleus varieties.
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Glasshouse Works – Extensive collection of over 350 types of coleus plants.
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Bluestone Perennials – Features newest coleus introductions along with many classic varieties.
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White Flower Farm – Wide selection of coleus for both sun and shade conditions.
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Territorial Seed Company – Specializes in unique and hard-to-find coleus varieties.
Shopping at Local Garden Centers
Visiting local independent garden centers and nurseries is another great option for finding coleus plants. Many local stores carry a nice selection of popular coleus varieties alongside their other annuals and potted plants.
The benefit of seeing the plants in person is being able to hand-select the individual coleus that appeal to you most in health, size, color and form. Shopping local also provides immediate gratification rather than having to wait for an online order to arrive.
Call your local garden centers ahead to ask if they carry coleus and which varieties they will have in stock for the season. The selection will be most plentiful in spring and early summer. Visit several garden centers to see the widest range of offerings in your area.
Some things to look for when buying coleus locally:
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Choose young plants with healthy foliage and vigorous growth. Avoid any that appear rootbound, wilted or overgrown.
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Inspect for pests like aphids that may be hiding under leaves. Look for signs of disease such as leaf spots.
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Select coleus that are well-branched and full at the base, not leggy or top-heavy.
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For the most dynamic combos, opt for at least 2-3 contrasting foliage colors and textures.
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Prepare soil ahead of time so plants can be added to garden beds or containers soon after purchasing.
Getting Coleus Free From Friends
If you know someone who already grows coleus, getting plant cuttings is a simple way to expand your collection for free. Coleus propagate very easily from stem cuttings.
In summer, take 4-6 inch tip cuttings from the top of established coleus plants. Remove the lowest leaves and place the cut ends in water or moist potting mix. Rooting hormone can be used to speed root growth.
Within 1-2 weeks, the cuttings will form roots and can be transplanted into pots or garden soil. Keep the new plants well-watered as they establish. Through cuttings, you can multiply your coleus without having to buy more plants.
Caring for Your New Coleus
Once you’ve acquired some new coleus for your garden, be sure to give them proper care for the lushest growth. Here are some tips:
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Plant in rich, well-draining soil amended with compost or organic material. Coleus prefer consistent moisture.
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Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing which can diminish foliage color.
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Pinch back stem tips periodically to encourage full, bushy growth habit.
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Flower spikes can be pruned off to direct energy into leaf production.
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Rotate coleus between sun and shade if foliage appears faded or washed out.
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Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid wet feet.
Follow these guidelines and your new coleus will thrive, lighting up your garden or containers with vivid colors right through fall.
So explore the possibilities and choose from the spectrum of coleus varieties now available. Whether buying online, from local nurseries, or getting starters from fellow gardeners, bringing home some new coleus is an easy way to give your landscape a vibrant punch of color.
How long do coleus plants live?
Coleus will last from planting until the first frost.
Do deer eat coleus?
Some gardeners consider coleus deer resistant, while others may experience moderate to severe browsing.
The BEST Coleus line EVER + Tips on Growing STUNNING and HUGE plants!
FAQ
Do coleus do better in pots or in the ground?
Coleus grows well in containers, period. They like sun, even toleranting partial shade, but curiously enough don’t like prolonged wet feet, so provide adequate drainage. They will rot, in standing water. “Curiously”, because it it so easy to take cuttings, and start the cuttings in water.
Does Home Depot have coleus plants?
Customers say the coleus plants from Home Depot are vibrant, easy to grow, and make excellent filler plants for gardens and planters. Many appreciate their fast growth and attractive colors, often noting their resilience in various conditions.
Does coleus like sun or shade?
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Sunlight Preferences:
- Most coleus varieties thrive in partial shade or dappled sunlight, as intense sunlight can cause their foliage colors to fade.
- However, some coleus cultivars are known for their sun tolerance and can even develop more vibrant colors in full sun.
- If growing coleus in full sun, ensure they receive ample water, as they can dry out quickly in hot, sunny conditions.
- Most coleus varieties thrive in partial shade or dappled sunlight, as intense sunlight can cause their foliage colors to fade.
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Sun-Tolerant Varieties:
- Look for varieties labeled as “sun-tolerant” or “heat-tolerant” for use in sunnier areas.
- Examples include “Color Blaze” series, “Campfire”, and “Rediculous”.
- Look for varieties labeled as “sun-tolerant” or “heat-tolerant” for use in sunnier areas.
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Shade-Loving Varieties:
- If you have a shady area, consider varieties like “Royale Pineapple Brandy” which can tolerate shade.
- These varieties will still provide vibrant colors in shady conditions.
- If you have a shady area, consider varieties like “Royale Pineapple Brandy” which can tolerate shade.
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Other Care Tips:
- Coleus plants prefer well-draining soil with a good amount of organic matter.
- They thrive in fertile, loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (ideally 6.0 to 7.0).
- Regularly water coleus plants, ensuring the soil doesn’t dry out completely.
- Pinch back the tops of coleus plants to encourage bushier growth.
- Feed coleus plants with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
- Coleus plants prefer well-draining soil with a good amount of organic matter.
Will coleus come back every year?
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Tender Perennials:Coleus are technically tender perennials, meaning they can survive for multiple years in warm climates (USDA zones 10-11).
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Annuals in Most Climates:In most temperate climates, including Los Angeles, coleus are grown as annuals because they are susceptible to frost and won’t survive the winter outdoors.
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Overwintering Indoors:To keep coleus plants for multiple years, you can bring them indoors before the first frost and treat them as houseplants, providing bright, indirect light and adequate watering.
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Propagating from Cuttings:Another option is to take cuttings from your coleus plant in the fall and propagate them indoors, allowing you to grow new plants for the following season.
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Outdoor Care:When growing coleus outdoors, ensure they are planted in a location that receives partial shade or full sun, as they prefer moist but well-drained soil.
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Indoor Care:If growing coleus indoors, provide bright, indirect light and keep the soil slightly moist, but avoid overwatering.