Coleus
Common Name: coleus
Type: Annual
Family: Lamiaceae
Zone: 10 to 11
Height: 1.25 to 2.25 feet
Spread: 1.50 to 1.75 feet
Bloom Time: Flowers not showy
Bloom Description: Pale lavender
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Suggested Use: Annual
Flower: Insignificant
Leaf: Colorful
Best grown in evenly moist, well-draining soil in part shade. Some cultivars tolerate more full sun. Hardy in Zones 10-11. Pinch back stems to encourage a more bushy habit. The blooms are typically not showy and can be removed so as not to detract from the foliage. Seed cultivars can be started indoors from seed 8-12 weeks before last frost date. Inexpensive starter plants (in small pots or flats) can be purchased from most nurseries in spring for beds and containers. Containers may be brought inside in fall before frost for overwintering. Similarly, favorite plants may be dug and potted in fall for overwintering as houseplants. Cuttings from favorite plants (easily rooted in a glass of water or in clean potting soil) can also be taken in fall for overwintering.
For more information visit: Missouri Botanical Garden
