How to Grow Coleus Black Currant

Coleus Black Currant

Plectranthus scutellarioides 'Black Currant'

flower

Coleus Black Currant is an ornamental foliage plant prized for its dramatic dark purple to nearly black leaves with deep burgundy veining and contrasting lime-green margins. This tender perennial is typically grown as an annual in temperate climates and reaches 12-18 inches tall. It produces delicate spikes of small lavender-blue flowers, though many gardeners pinch them off to encourage bushier foliage growth.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Partial shade to bright indirect light, 3-6 hours of sun daily; avoid intense afternoon sun which can fade leaf color

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Increase frequency in hot weather. Less water needed in winter dormancy.

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Spacing: 12 inches

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

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Planting depth: 0.25 inches for seeds; transplants at soil level

Soil

Type: Well-draining, light, fertile potting soil or garden soil enriched with organic matter

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost Perlite or sand for drainage Peat moss or coco coir for moisture retention

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 10-11; grown as an annual or houseplant in cooler zones

10a 10b 11a 11b

Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny plants with 2-4 small oval leaves, very tender and pale green initially

Keep soil warm (70-75°F), moist but not soggy; provide bright indirect light; grow under humidity dome if possible

Vegetative

4-8 weeks

Rapid leaf development with characteristic dark purple foliage and lime margins appearing; plant becomes bushier

Pinch growing tips every 2-3 weeks to encourage branching and fuller shape; provide consistent moisture and moderate fertilizer every 2 weeks

Flowering

6-12 weeks (ongoing)

Delicate spikes of small lavender-blue to pale purple flowers emerge from branch tips

Pinch off flower buds to redirect energy to foliage production and maintain compact shape; continue regular watering and feeding

Mature

Indefinite with proper care

Full-sized ornamental plant 12-18 inches tall with dense, richly colored foliage forming a mound-like shape

Maintain shape with regular pinching; provide consistent care; can be overwintered indoors or propagated for next season

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Caladium Impatiens Begonia Torenia Fuchsia Dusty Miller Heuchera

Avoid planting near:

Aggressive sprawling plants Plants requiring full sun and dry conditions Plants competing for water and nutrients

Common Pests

Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; isolate infected plants; inspect regularly and remove affected leaves
Increase humidity; spray foliage with water to dislodge; use miticide if severe; improve air circulation
Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; remove heavily infested leaves
Spray with water; apply insecticidal soap; use neem oil for heavy infestations; encourage beneficial insects

Uses

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Edible decorative garnish

Culinary

While primarily ornamental, Coleus leaves are technically edible and can be used as an unusual, colorful garnish for salads and beverages, though they have a mild flavor and are valued more for appearance than taste. [source]

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Indoor houseplant and container gardening

Household

Perfect for containers on patios, windowsills, and indoor spaces where bright indirect light is available. Excellent for mixed containers with other shade-loving foliage plants. [source]

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Floral arrangements and displays

Craft

The striking dark purple and lime-green foliage makes stunning cut arrangements and is prized by florists and gardeners for creating dramatic color contrast in bouquets and display containers. [source]

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Traditional herbal uses

Medicinal

Related Coleus species have been used in traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine; contains compounds like rosmarinic acid with potential anti-inflammatory properties, though Black Currant is primarily grown ornamentally. [source]

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Pollinator-friendly flowers

Wildlife

The delicate flower spikes attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making Coleus a beneficial addition to gardens even though the foliage is the main ornamental feature. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Pinch or cut stems to maintain shape and encourage bushiness throughout the growing season; remove flower spikes as they appear to promote foliage growth; take stem cuttings anytime for propagation (root in water or moist soil within 1-2 weeks); harvest foliage as needed for arrangements or display

Fun Facts

🌱 Coleus varieties come in nearly every color imaginable and are sometimes called 'painted plants' because of their vibrant, multi-colored foliage patterns that rival many flowering ornamentals.
🌱 Coleus is extremely easy to propagate from cuttings—simply place a stem in water and roots will develop within 1-2 weeks, making it an economical way to create numerous plants for gifts or garden expansion.
🌱 In its native tropical habitat, Coleus Black Currant grows as a tender perennial that can live for multiple years, but in temperate zones it's typically treated as an annual and replanted each season, though it can be overwintered indoors as a houseplant.

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