What it is
Coleus (Coleus scutellarioides) is in the Lamiaceae (Mint) family. Grown for jaw-dropping leaf color, not flowers - and it roots from a cutting in a glass of water in days.
How to grow it
It wants part shade to bright indirect, water it moderate, and give it rich, moist soil. Target a soil pH around 6.0-7.0. Space plants about 12-18 in apart. Expect roughly Cuttings root fast. Tender; grown as annual.
How it's used
Coleus is used: ornamental foliage.
🔎 How to identify it
- Vivid patterned scalloped leaves
- Square stems (mint family)
- Roots from cuttings fast
Edibility
PartsNot grown for eating
UsesOrnamental foliage
CautionOrnamental; pinch flower spikes to keep it bushy.
🌤 Before you plant: check the live 7-day garden weather to time it right for frost and heat.
Part of the free Texas Roots plant database, compiled by Jordan Polasek from his greenhouse in El Campo, Texas. Free to read and share. If it helped, the best thanks is to grow something.