If you’re considering adding coleus plants to your indoor or outdoor spaces, you’ll discover they’re among the most versatile foliage plants available. These leafy wonders range from compact 6-inch varieties to towering 36-inch specimens, offering an impressive spectrum of colors from lime green to deep burgundy. While most gardeners know the basic varieties, there’s a world of unique cultivars that can transform your containers, borders, and hanging baskets into stunning focal points.
Contents
- 1 1. Wizard Coleus
- 2 2. Chocolate-Covered Cherry Coleus
- 3 3. Wasabi Coleus
- 4 4. Fairway Mosaic Coleus
- 5 5. Kong Lime Coleus
- 6 6. Mariposa Coleus
- 7 7. Scarlet Pineapple Coleus
- 8 8. Watermelon Red Coleus
- 9 9. Pink Lady Coleus
- 10 10. Palisandra Coleus
- 11 11. Magma Red-Orange Coleus
- 12 12. Velvet Rainbow Coleus
- 13 13. Purple Passionvine Coleus
- 14 14. Tilt-A-Whirl Coleus
- 15 15. Burgundy Wedding Train Coleus
1. Wizard Coleus
The Wizard Coleus series features compact, bushy plants known for their vibrant, multicolored foliage patterns. These varieties typically grow 12-14 inches tall and wide, making them ideal for containers, borders, and mass plantings. Wizard Coleus leaves display striking combinations of burgundy, rose, scarlet, jade, coral, and chartreuse, with distinct patterns that can include speckles, veining, and bold margins.
- Light: Partial shade to full shade; can tolerate morning sun
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
- Soil: Well-draining, rich organic potting mix with pH 6.0-7.0
- Temperature: 60-75°F (16-24°C)
- Humidity: Moderate to high
- Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
- Spacing: Plant 12 inches apart
- Zone: USDA zones 10-11, grown as annual in colder regions
2. Chocolate-Covered Cherry Coleus
The Chocolate-Covered Cherry Coleus features deep burgundy leaves with pink centers and chocolate-brown edges, creating a striking color combination reminiscent of its namesake confection. This striking variety reaches heights of 18-24 inches and spreads 12-18 inches wide, making it an excellent choice for containers, borders, or as a houseplant. Its rich foliage adds dramatic contrast when planted alongside other colorful varieties or green plants.
- Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate partial shade but needs protection from intense afternoon sun
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
- Soil: Well-draining, fertile potting mix rich in organic matter
- Temperature: 60-75°F (16-24°C)
- Humidity: Moderate to high humidity levels
- Fertilizer: Feed with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during growing season
- pH: 6.0-7.0
- Pruning: Pinch back growing tips regularly to encourage bushiness and prevent flowering
3. Wasabi Coleus
Wasabi Coleus is a striking variety known for its chartreuse-green foliage with serrated edges, resembling the color of wasabi paste. This compact plant typically grows 18-24 inches tall and features ruffled leaves that create an eye-catching display. Its vibrant lime-green color adds a bright pop to shaded gardens and can serve as an excellent contrast plant when paired with darker foliage varieties.
- Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate partial shade but needs protection from intense afternoon sun
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
- Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with organic matter
- Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
- Humidity: Moderate to high humidity levels
- Fertilizer: Monthly feeding during growing season with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer
- pH: 6.0-7.0
- Spacing: 12-18 inches apart when planting multiple specimens
4. Fairway Mosaic Coleus
Fairway Mosaic Coleus is a compact cultivar known for its stunning multicolored foliage featuring a blend of burgundy, green, and cream patterns. This variety typically grows 6-12 inches tall, making it perfect for containers, borders, and mass plantings. The leaves display intricate mosaic-like patterns that create visual interest throughout the growing season, and its manageable size makes it particularly suitable for both indoor and outdoor cultivation.
- Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate partial shade but needs protection from intense afternoon sun
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
- Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with organic matter
- Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
- Humidity: Moderate to high humidity levels
- Fertilizer: Feed with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during growing season
- pH: 6.0-7.0
- Spacing: Plant 8-12 inches apart
5. Kong Lime Coleus
Kong Lime Coleus is a striking ornamental variety known for its massive, ruffled leaves that can grow up to 8-10 inches long. The foliage displays vibrant chartreuse to lime-green colors with darker veining, creating a bold tropical appearance. This dramatic cultivar typically reaches heights of 18-24 inches, making it an excellent choice for containers, borders, or as a stunning houseplant. Part of the Kong series, this coleus variety maintains its color well and provides a bright accent in both indoor and outdoor settings.
- Light: Bright indirect light to partial shade; avoid direct afternoon sun
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
- Soil: Well-draining, rich organic potting mix with pH 6.0-7.0
- Temperature: 60-75°F (16-24°C)
- Humidity: High humidity preferred; mist regularly if grown indoors
- Fertilizer: Monthly feeding during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
- Spacing: Plant 18-24 inches apart in outdoor gardens
- Pinching: Regular pinching encourages bushier growth and prevents flowering
6. Mariposa Coleus
The Mariposa Coleus is a vibrant cultivar known for its distinctive foliage patterns featuring deep burgundy centers surrounded by bright lime-green edges. This striking variety typically grows to a compact height of 12-18 inches, making it suitable for both container gardens and landscape borders. The leaves have a ruffled texture and maintain their rich coloration throughout the growing season, providing consistent ornamental interest.
- Light: Bright, indirect light; can tolerate morning sun but needs protection from intense afternoon sun
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
- Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with organic matter
- Temperature: 60-75°F (16-24°C)
- Humidity: Moderate to high humidity levels
- Fertilizer: Feed with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during growing season
- Pruning: Pinch back growing tips regularly to encourage bushiness and prevent flowering
- pH: 6.0-7.0
7. Scarlet Pineapple Coleus
The Scarlet Pineapple Coleus is a striking variety known for its deeply serrated leaves featuring bold patterns of burgundy red and bright chartreuse green. The foliage forms a compact, bushy shape with leaves that have a distinctive pineapple-like texture and appearance. This cultivar typically grows to heights of 12-18 inches, making it an excellent choice for containers, borders, or as a houseplant.
- Light: Bright, indirect light; can tolerate partial shade; protect from intense afternoon sun
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
- Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with organic matter
- Temperature: 60-75°F (16-24°C)
- Humidity: Moderate to high humidity; mist regularly if grown indoors
- Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
- pH: 6.0-7.0
- Pruning: Pinch back regularly to encourage bushiness and prevent flowering
8. Watermelon Red Coleus
The Watermelon Red Coleus features vibrant foliage with striking patterns reminiscent of watermelon colors, displaying deep burgundy-red leaves with bright green edges. This stunning variety adds dramatic contrast to gardens and containers with its medium-sized leaves that can grow up to 6 inches long. The plant typically reaches heights of 12-24 inches, making it an excellent choice for both borders and container arrangements.
- Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate partial shade but needs protection from intense afternoon sun
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
- Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with organic matter
- Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
- Humidity: Moderate to high humidity levels
- Fertilizer: Feed with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during growing season
- pH: 6.0-7.0
- Spacing: Plant 12-18 inches apart in garden beds
9. Pink Lady Coleus
Pink Lady Coleus is a striking variety known for its vibrant pink leaves edged with deep green margins. This medium-sized cultivar typically grows 12-18 inches tall and features large, ruffled foliage that creates a dramatic display in containers or garden beds. The plant’s unique coloration becomes more intense when grown in proper lighting conditions, making it a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor decorative plantings.
- Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some morning sun but needs protection from harsh afternoon rays
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
- Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with high organic content
- Humidity: Moderate to high humidity; mist regularly if grown indoors
- Temperature: 60-80°F (16-27°C)
- Fertilizer: Feed with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during growing season
- pH: 6.0-7.0
10. Palisandra Coleus
Palisandra Coleus is a striking variety known for its deep purple-black foliage that appears almost chocolate-colored in certain lights. The leaves are large, ruffled, and serrated along the edges, creating a dramatic visual impact whether planted in containers or garden beds. This particular cultivar typically grows to heights of 12-24 inches, making it an excellent choice for both borders and focal points in landscaping designs.
- Light: Partial shade to full shade; can tolerate morning sun but needs protection from intense afternoon sunlight
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
- Soil: Rich, well-draining potting mix with organic matter
- Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
- Humidity: Moderate to high humidity levels
- Fertilizer: Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during growing season
- pH: 6.0-7.0
- Spacing: 12-18 inches between plants
11. Magma Red-Orange Coleus
Magma Red-Orange Coleus is a striking variety known for its vibrant foliage that combines deep red and bright orange hues in a dramatic flame-like pattern. The leaves feature serrated edges and can reach up to 6 inches in length, creating a bold display whether planted in containers or garden beds. This cultivar typically grows to a height of 18-24 inches and spreads 12-18 inches wide, making it an excellent choice for adding height and color to both indoor and outdoor spaces.
- Light: Bright, indirect light indoors; partial shade to full shade outdoors; protect from intense afternoon sun
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
- Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix or garden soil with organic matter
- Temperature: Prefers 60-75°F (16-24°C)
- Humidity: Moderate to high humidity; mist regularly if grown indoors
- Fertilizer: Apply balanced, water-soluble fertilizer monthly during growing season
- pH: 6.0-7.0
12. Velvet Rainbow Coleus
Velvet Rainbow Coleus is a striking variety known for its velvety leaves that display a vibrant mix of deep burgundy, bright pink, and green hues. The leaves feature scalloped edges and can grow up to 6 inches long, creating a bushy plant that typically reaches heights of 12-24 inches. This versatile cultivar makes an excellent container specimen or border plant, adding dramatic color and texture to both indoor and outdoor spaces.
- Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate partial shade but colors are most vivid with adequate light
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
- Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with high organic content
- Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
- Humidity: Moderate to high humidity levels
- Fertilizer: Monthly feeding during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
- pH: 6.0-7.0
- Spacing: 12-18 inches between plants when growing in garden beds
13. Purple Passionvine Coleus
Purple Passionvine Coleus is a striking variety known for its deep purple foliage with contrasting green edges and veining patterns. The leaves are large, serrated, and have a velvety texture, creating a dramatic display whether planted in containers or garden beds. This variety typically grows to heights of 18-24 inches and spreads 12-18 inches wide, making it an excellent choice for both borders and focal points in landscaping designs.
- Light: Bright, indirect light when grown indoors; partial shade to full shade outdoors
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
- Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with organic matter
- Temperature: 60-75°F (16-24°C)
- Humidity: Moderate to high humidity levels
- Fertilizer: Feed every 2-3 weeks during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
- Pruning: Pinch back growing tips regularly to encourage bushiness
- pH: 6.0-7.0
14. Tilt-A-Whirl Coleus
Tilt-A-Whirl Coleus is a striking variety known for its deeply lobed leaves featuring swirls of burgundy, green, and cream colors. The plant’s foliage creates a mesmerizing spiral pattern that resembles its carnival ride namesake, with each leaf displaying unique variegation. This compact cultivar typically grows 12-18 inches tall and wide, making it suitable for both container gardens and landscape borders.
- Light: Bright, indirect light; can tolerate partial shade but needs protection from intense afternoon sun
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
- Soil: Well-draining, rich organic potting mix with pH 6.0-7.0
- Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
- Humidity: Moderate to high humidity levels
- Fertilizer: Feed with balanced water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during growing season
- Spacing: Plant 12-18 inches apart when growing in ground
15. Burgundy Wedding Train Coleus
Burgundy Wedding Train Coleus is a striking variety known for its deep burgundy-colored foliage with scalloped edges and a trailing growth habit. The leaves are heart-shaped with serrated margins and feature rich, velvety textures that create dramatic displays when planted in containers or hanging baskets. This compact cultivar typically reaches heights of 12-15 inches and spreads 18-24 inches wide, making it an excellent choice for both indoor and outdoor decoration.
- Light: Bright, indirect light; can tolerate partial shade but needs protection from intense afternoon sun
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
- Soil: Well-draining, fertile potting mix rich in organic matter
- Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
- Humidity: Moderate to high humidity levels
- Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
- pH: 6.0-7.0
- Spacing: Plant 12-18 inches apart when growing multiple plants