How to Grow Burgundy Coleus
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Burgundy Coleus
Solenostemon scutellarioides
flowerBurgundy 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.
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Example Burgundy Coleus timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Burgundy Coleus
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Burgundy Coleus blooms
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10-12; grown as an annual in cooler zones or overwintered indoors
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Seed Germination
7-10 daysSeeds 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 weeksFirst 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 weeksPlant 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 pinchedDelicate 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 seasonPlant 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:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity; spray with water; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe
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Isolate plant; dab with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab; spray with insecticidal soap
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Remove by hand; treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; increase air circulation
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil
Uses
Container & Bedding Display
HouseholdBurgundy 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]
Leaf Pressing & Art
CraftThe distinctive, attractive leaves can be pressed for botanical art projects, scrapbooking, and decorative crafts due to their interesting shape and vibrant color. [source]
Indoor Houseplant
HouseholdBurgundy 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]
Pollinator Garden Support
WildlifeWhile grown primarily for foliage, the flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies when left to bloom, providing garden diversity. [source]
Propagation & Plant Sharing
HouseholdColeus 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.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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