How to Grow Burgundy Coleus

Burgundy Coleus

Solenostemon scutellarioides

flower

Burgundy Coleus is a vibrant foliage plant prized for its deep wine-red to burgundy leaves with contrasting color patterns and textures. It is a tender perennial grown as an annual in most climates, valued for adding dramatic color to borders, containers, and shade gardens without relying on flowers.

Looking for a specific variety?

Black Dragon Burgundy Blotch Burgundy Sun Chocolate Mint Defiance Sedona

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Partial shade to filtered sunlight (3-4 hours); tolerates shade; excessive direct sun may fade color intensity

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry. Water more frequently in hot weather and in containers

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Spacing: 12 inches

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Days to maturity: 30-45 days to reach decorative size

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Planting depth: Surface sow seeds or plant transplants at same depth as container; seeds need light to germinate

Soil

Type: Well-draining, fertile loamy soil

pH: 6.0-6.5

Amendments:

Compost Peat moss or coco coir Perlite for container drainage

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 10-12; grown as an annual in cooler zones or overwintered indoors

10a 10b 11a 11b 12a 12b

Growth Stages

Seed Germination

7-10 days

Seeds are tiny and should be surface-sown on moist soil; tiny leaves emerge in 7-10 days

Keep soil consistently moist; provide warm temperatures (70-75°F); use grow lights if indoors; do not cover seeds

Seedling

2-3 weeks

First true leaves appear with characteristic coleus shape; plants are small and delicate with developing burgundy coloration

Maintain consistent moisture; provide bright indirect light; thin seedlings to prevent crowding; fertilize weekly with diluted liquid fertilizer

Vegetative Growth

4-8 weeks

Plant develops bushy form with multiple stems; leaves expand and deepen in burgundy color; plant fills out the space

Pinch off growing tips every 2-3 weeks to encourage branching and bushier growth; remove flower spikes as they appear to redirect energy to foliage; maintain consistent watering and humidity

Flowering

Throughout growing season if not pinched

Delicate purple or blue flower spikes emerge from leaf axils; flowers are insignificant compared to foliage

Pinch off flower spikes immediately to maintain focus on leaf production and color intensity; flowering diverts energy from foliage development

Mature/Harvest

Continuous until frost or end of season

Plant reaches full size with dense, colorful burgundy foliage; ideal for display, cuttings, and propagation

Maintain regular pinching and watering; continue fertilizing every 2 weeks; monitor for pests; take cuttings for propagation before frost

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Caladiums Impatiens Begonias Ferns Hosta Dusty Miller Soleirolia (Baby tears) Silvery plants for contrast

Avoid planting near:

Aggressive spreaders in small spaces Plants requiring full sun only Drought-tolerant plants requiring dry conditions

Common Pests

Increase humidity; spray with water; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe
Isolate plant; dab with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab; spray with insecticidal soap
Remove by hand; treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap
Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; increase air circulation
Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil

Uses

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Container & Bedding Display

Household

Burgundy Coleus is an excellent choice for colorful container arrangements, hanging baskets, shade gardens, and annual borders. Its deep wine-red foliage provides dramatic visual impact without the need for flowering plants. [source]

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Leaf Pressing & Art

Craft

The distinctive, attractive leaves can be pressed for botanical art projects, scrapbooking, and decorative crafts due to their interesting shape and vibrant color. [source]

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Indoor Houseplant

Household

Burgundy Coleus thrives indoors on bright windowsills or under grow lights, making it an excellent choice for year-round indoor foliage displays and container gardening. [source]

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Pollinator Garden Support

Wildlife

While grown primarily for foliage, the flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies when left to bloom, providing garden diversity. [source]

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Propagation & Plant Sharing

Household

Coleus propagates easily from cuttings in water or soil, making it ideal for sharing with gardeners and creating new plants throughout the season. [source]

Harvest Tips

Coleus is grown for foliage rather than harvest. Pinch and prune leaves regularly to maintain shape and encourage bushiness. Take 4-6 inch cuttings anytime during the growing season for propagation; root in water or moist soil. Remove flower spikes to extend foliage color quality. In frost-prone areas, take cuttings before first frost to overwinter indoors.

Fun Facts

🌱 Coleus is native to Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, and has been cultivated for over 200 years with hundreds of cultivar combinations developed by breeders.
🌱 The plant was recently reclassified from Coleus to Solenostemon based on genetic studies, though many gardeners still use the common name Coleus.
🌱 Coleus leaves contain unique pigments including chlorophyll, carotenoids, and anthocyanins that create the striking burgundy coloration, and color intensity increases with light exposure up to a point.

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