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Do coleus like to be crowded?
A planting mix stirred into the soil (or organic matter or compost) can help enrich the soil as well. 4. Remember, they grow quickly. Don't be tempted to crowd your coleus as they grow and spread out quickly!
How large does a coleus plant get?
Coleus vary from smaller types that will reach only 1 foot tall to tall bushy types of 3 feet. Sprawling types suitable for hanging baskets and wall plantings may spread more than 3 feet wide.
How much space does a coleus plant need?
Space Coleus plants about 6 to 12 inches apart. Coleus typically grow to be 3 feet tall and have a 3-foot spread. These fast-growing mounding plants will quickly fill in the area with a lush foliage wall, so give the plants room to grow.
Where is the best place to plant coleus?
Plant coleus in a sunny or partly shaded spot, in moist but well-drained soil. Coleus are low growing, so they look best at the front of a border, combined with other bedding plants, or in pot on a patio. If you're growing coleus as a house plant, grow it in a bright spot that gets a little direct sun.
How do you get bushy coleus?
It's easy: you just need to pinch them. It may seem counterproductive to cut back a plant that you want more of, but pinching many annual and tender perennial plants—like coleus—encourages branching and full, bushy growth.
How long does a coleus plant live?
one yearThe average lifespan of a coleus plant is one year. It's not uncommon for indoor plants to live between 3-4 years if they are properly cared for, which means proper watering, sunlight, the right soil, and the right plant food to keep it green, and healthy.
Do coleus do better in pots or in the ground?
Coleus can grow well in pots or the ground, making them a versatile addition to an outdoor space. The colorful foliage of Coleus will brighten up a patio, porch, or balcony. When grown in a container, the plant can easily be moved to a spot in need of color or an area that provides more favorable conditions.
Is coleus fast growing?
When growing coleus, keep in mind that these beauties can grow rapidly. Plant coleus close together as bedding plants or tuck them into baskets and containers for a fast growing and spectacular addition.
Will coleus come back every year?
Hardy in USDA zones 10-11, coleus is a tender perennial but is most often grown as an annual. Since coleus are sensitive to cooler temperatures, they will only come back the following year in the warmest regions.
What plants look good with coleus?
Companion Plants to Throw into the Mix Include:Lantana.Impatiens.Begonias.Heliotrope.Cordyline (spikes)Dusty miller.Sweet potato vine.Ornamental grasses like purple fountain grass.
How do I make my coleus more colorful?
Morning sun and afternoon shade is the rule of thumb for any coleus. But breeders have been introducing lots of sun-tolerant varieties that can take a lot more light than many of the older hybrids. Most have “solar” or “sun” in their names, and sport brighter reds and more vivid greens in their foliage.
Can you plant coleus directly in the ground?
There are some large coleus cultivars that grow over 30 inches tall, and when you plant them in the ground they really take off. The more space you give them to spread out their roots, the larger they grow. SuperSun 'Plum Parfait' above grows up to 3 feet tall and creates a nice hedge to back up other plants.
Will coleus come back every year?
Hardy in USDA zones 10-11, coleus is a tender perennial but is most often grown as an annual. Since coleus are sensitive to cooler temperatures, they will only come back the following year in the warmest regions.
Does coleus like sun or shade?
Some modern coleus varieties handle full sun, but most still flourish with at least dappled shade and direct sun limited to morning hours. Too much sun or intense midday rays leave foliage scorched and faded; too little light causes weak growth. A balance is important for coleus beauty and health.
Is coleus fast growing?
When growing coleus, keep in mind that these beauties can grow rapidly. Plant coleus close together as bedding plants or tuck them into baskets and containers for a fast growing and spectacular addition.
How long does it take for coleus to mature?
It's easy to grow coleus from seed. It can take as long as 21 days for the seeds to germinate. Once seedlings appear, it will take three or four weeks of warm weather to help turn them into fully grown plants.
Plant Coleus Outdoors in Warm Temperatures
Do not plant coleus outdoors in cold temperatures. Ensure the soil temperature has warmed above 50 degrees F. (10 C.) before planting coleus seedli...
Where to Plant Coleus Outdoors
Do not crowd coleus close together. They spread out to about 16 inches across, so keep the leaves from shading each other by planting at least 12 i...
How to Water and Fertilize Coleus
When you plant your coleus, water them until the soil is saturated. Avoid over-watering, as coleus can develop root rot and fungus diseases quickly...
How to grow coleus in a container?
To grow coleus in a container, start with a large pot that the plant can grow into; otherwise, you'll be repotting this fast-growing plant before you know it. In mixed container plantings, coleus usually serves as an upright "thriller" plant in the center of the container, surrounded by "fillers" and "spillers.".
What climate does Coleus thrive in?
As a tropical plant, coleus thrives in hot, humid conditions. In temperate climates, the barest hint of frost will spell the end of the plants. Make sure to take cuttings of any favorite plants before the weather turns cold.
How to grow a sage plant from a cutting?
Cut a 4- to 6-inch stem tip, then remove all leaves from the lower half of the cutting. Dip the end of the stem in a rooting compound, then plant it in moist potting mix so the soil covers the exposed leaf nodes. Place the container in a plastic bag, making sure the plastic doesn't touch the cutting.
How long does it take for a sage plant to grow?
Place the covered cutting in a bright, warm location until new roots develop; this takes two to three weeks. Remove the plastic and continue to grow the new plant in a bright, warm location.
Is Coleus a part shade plant?
Coleus is a classic part-shade to full-shade plant, but light exposure depends on the variety. The old-fashioned seed-grown coleus does best in part shade to full shade, but the newer cultivars have their best color if grown where they can receive more sun. However, it also depends on your climate.
Can coleus be used as a bedding plant?
Coleus is normally used as an annual bedding plant or in outdoor container gardens and baskets. In colder zones, container plants are sometimes moved indoors to overwinter. Warmer zones can grow coleus as garden perennials, where they can grow to resemble small shrubs with thick woody stems. When planted in the ground, coleus plants are often massed for dramatic impact; they can also be used as edging plants.
Is Coleus a mint plant?
Coleus plants are in the Lamiaceae, or mint, family, characterized by square stems and opposite leaves . However, the foliage can vary widely in shape, style, and color.
Where are Coleus native to?
Cultivation and History. Species in the Coleus genus are native to tropical and subtropical regions from southeast Asia to Australia, and are naturalized in many other tropical regions. They were first brought to England in the 19th century, from Java, by Karl Ludwig Blume.
How to root a sage plant?
You can either place these in water to root or in po tting soil. If you’re using potting soil , dip the cut end into powdered rooting hormone, make a hole in the soil and carefully plant the cutting. Keep the cuttings in a bright location, out of direct sun, with temperatures between 60 to 75°F.
How to grow a sage plant from seed?
You’ll need seed trays or small containers, and a good quality, well-draining potting mix. Fill your seed flats or containers with potting mix and place three or four of the tiny seeds on top of the soil.
How tall do sage plants grow?
They typically have a mounding growth habit with mature heights of up to three feet tall, and there are also trailing varieties available, ideal for hanging baskets, growing as a ground cover, or spilling over the sides of large pots.
How to transplant a plant in a pot?
To transplant, dig a hole the same size as the container the plant is growing in, and gently remove it from the pot. Place it into the ground at the same depth as it was growing in its existing pot, and backfill with soil before watering in well.
What zone do tropical plants grow in?
And they’re easy to grow. Ideal for beginner gardeners, they can be grown as perennials in USDA Hardiness Zones 10-11, and as annuals everywhere else.
Where does C. amboinicus grow?
amboinicus is an herb, native to parts of tropical Africa, Asia, and Indonesia, commonly known as Mexican mint, Cuban oregano, or Spanish thyme. You can read more about cultivating this flavorful herb in our guide.
How much light do coleus plants need?
Do not keep your indoor coleus plants in the dark. Plant them in a container at least 12 inches in diameter, and place them near a window that gets six or more hours of sunlight per day. Provide additional light, if needed, with a fluorescent lamp designed for gardening purposes.
How to grow Coleus in partial shade?
Some coleus prefer bright sun, but most do best and achieve the most vivid color in partial shade. Check the soil pH before planting, and adjust your soil if it is too acid . Coleus prefer a soil pH at 7, or slightly above. Add powdered lime to the soil if it is too acid, and avoid mulches made from pine or cedar needles or their bark.
What is Coleus mulch?
Inorganic mulch. Powdered lime. All purpose fertilizer. Coleus plants, part of the mint sub-branch of the nettle family, are a vividly colored, leafy plant that makes a great garden border. Their leaves can be red, pink, green, yellow, white, and in striking blends of these colors.
Can you use Coleus in a garden?
Now that you have the knowhow, you can add a pop of color to your garden with coleus. These beauties will add flair to any room indoors as well.
Can Coleus grow indoors?
Coleus also grow well indoors in containers , and can survive and thrive for years in the right conditions. Here are some mistakes to avoid when growing coleus outdoors or indoors. Continue reading below Our Video of the Day.
How to start Coleus from seed?
Set plants out after all danger of frost is past. Choose a spot that is protected from wind. Coleus branches break easily. Coleus needs well-draining soil. Water the plant thoroughly after planting.
How many varieties of coleus are there?
There are more than 600 varieties of coleus to choose from!
What is Coleus a good plant for?
Known for its colorful foliage, Coleus is a wonderful, low-maintance plant to add to summer flower beds as well as containers. This tender annual comes in many shades of color, leaf texture, and sizes.
What family is Coleus?
Coleus are in the Lamiaceae, or mint, family. While traditionally shade-tolerant, some modern varieties will thrive in the sun, too. Be sure to check with your garden nursery on the variety. Leaf colors include: Green, Yellow, Pink, Red, Purple, and Maroon. The plant does bloom occasionally at the end of long stalks;
What is Coleus in the mint family?
Coleus is a member of the mint and dead nettle family.
How to grow coleus in pots?
Plant your coleus in a sturdy container that won’t tip over if it does get to be 2 feet tall. Fill your container with well-draining soil and fertilize moderately. Be careful not to over fertilize, though, or your coleus in pots may lose their brilliant color. Water regularly, keeping the soil moist.
How tall does Coleus grow?
It won’t grow larger than the container it’s in, but if moved to a bigger container, it will fill it out, reaching as high as 2 feet tall. Since they will stay compact if need be, coleus in pots pair well with other plants.
How to keep coleus from getting gangly?
To keep your coleus in pots from getting gangly, pinch back the new growth. Simply pinch back the very ends of the stems with your fingers – this will encourage new shoots to branch out on the sides, making for an overall bushier plant.
What is a Coleus plant?
Coleus. By: Liz Baessler. Printer Friendly Version. Image by Brittany Tande. Coleus is a fantastic plant for adding color to your garden or house. A member of the mint family, it’s not known for its flowers, but for its beautiful and vibrantly colored leaves.
Can Coleus survive a frost?
Keep them out of the wind to avoid breakage. Coleus will not survive a frost, so either treat your plant as an annual or move it inside when temperatures begin to drop.
How to get roots on coleus?
Simply cut a mature stem with leaves and place into a cup of water. You can use a root toner if you like, but coleus roots so easily it is not necessary. Within a week or two, roots should appear on the base of the stem.
What is the best soil for coleus?
Coleus prefers rich, fertile and moist soil. Add in plenty of compost prior to planting to help increase the soil fertility and structure. Compost helps soil retain moisture to the roots, and coleus thrives on moisture.
What is Coleus used for?
Growing coleus is the perfect way to add big, colorful foliage and interest to your flowering containers, baskets and flowerbeds. Coleus continues to grow in popularity year after year among home gardeners. What was once a staple of Victorian gardens long ago, this unique plant now finds itself fitting being used in all types of garden settings.
Why do Coleus flowers have tiny stems?
Not only are they not all that impressive, by removing the bloom stems, it sends more energy to the foliage for better color and vibrancy.
How tall does a chocolate covered cherry coleus grow?
Chocolate Covered Cherry coleus has gorgeous magenta and chocolate leaves that really make a statement in pots and containers. The grow to around 12″ in height with a dense spread.
How tall does a black dragon coleus grow?
Talk about an impact plant! Black Dragon coleus will grow to about 12 inches in height with deep, dark foliage. It is an excellent choice for planting along colorful annuals to provide a big contrast.
What is the foliage of Coleus?
Unlike many annual plants that gain color from their blooms, it’s the foliage of coleus that provides all of the pizazz. And with stunning foliage in near endless splatters of vibrant colors, the plant is simply a showstopper. The foliage of coleus is unique and provides plenty of visual interest all over the landscape.
