Overview
Coleus (Coleus scutellarioides) is a fast-growing tropical foliage plant in vivid lime, burgundy, pink, red, bronze, and cream, bringing color without flowers.
Mature Size and Habit
Cultivars range from compact mounds under one foot to upright plants about 3 feet high and wide; pinching controls size
Best Landscape Uses
Use it in containers, shaded borders, mass plantings, or beneath open canopies, grouping cultivars by mature vigor
Sunlight
Most forms prefer morning sun or filtered light; sun-tolerant forms accept more exposure, while deep shade dulls color
Soil, Drainage, and Irrigation
Plant in fertile, well-drained soil and water as the surface dries; Coleus wilts in drought but declines in saturated soil
Best Planting Season for Tampa and Central Florida
Fall through early spring gives Coleus mild establishment weather in Tampa; warm-season planting also works with dependable irrigation and close monitoring.
Pruning and Maintenance
Pinch tips for density, remove flower spikes when foliage is the priority, and check for mealybugs, mites, caterpillars, and rot
Wildlife Value
Flowers offer limited resources for small bees when retained; add native nectar and host plants for stronger ecological function
Cold and Heat Sensitivity
Coleus thrives in warm humid weather, but freezes kill top growth and hot wind or dry containers cause rapid wilt and scorch
Safety, Roots, and Placement Warnings
Coleus is a pet concern if chewed and can irritate skin or digestion; place it away from animals and clean up cuttings
Invasive Concerns
Coleus is nonnative and not generally invasive in Florida, though some forms self-seed or root from discarded cuttings
Helpful Resources
