Botanical Name:
Coleus blumei
Life Cycle:
annual, tender perennial
Planting Time:
indoors all year; outdoors after temperatures reach at least 50ºF at night.
Height:
18" to 36"
Exposure:
partial shade to shade
Soil:
rich, moist, well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH
Hardiness:
zones 9 to 11
Bloom Time:
foliage colorful all summer
Flower:
insignificant flowers; flower spikes pinched off as they form to encourage more foliage growth
Foliage:
variegated red, green, pink, white, purple and yellow
Propagation:
seeds, stem cuttings in fall
Suggested Use:
colorful borders, houseplants, and containers
Growing Hints:
When grown outdoors, Coleus plants will survive and grow in the sun, but foliage color is much more intense when grown in light shade or when grown under ultraviolet light indoors. Sow seeds in spring or purchase small seedlings and transplant to beds after temperatures reach 50ºF. Space plants 12 inches apart and pinch back when plants are 4 to 6 inches to encourage bushier growth. Apply fertilizer (10-10-10) once per month
Interesting Facts:
Seedlings are less brilliant in color when young, intensifying in color as they age.
Related: 
Growing Coleus
By
01/23/2012
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