How to Grow Coleus 'Black Dragon'

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Coleus 'Black Dragon'

Plectranthus scutellarioides 'Black Dragon'

flower

Coleus 'Black Dragon' is a stunning foliage plant known for its deep burgundy to nearly black leaves with vibrant red-purple veining and margins. This tender perennial is prized as a houseplant and annual in gardens for its dramatic, velvety foliage that adds rich color contrast to mixed plantings. The plant produces delicate purple-blue flower spikes, though many gardeners pinch them off to encourage fuller foliage growth.

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Example Coleus 'Black Dragon' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Coleus 'Black Dragon'
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
First Coleus 'Black Dragon' blooms
Around May 17

≈ 30 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Coleus 'Black Dragon' dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Bright, indirect light; tolerates partial shade. Full sun may scorch leaves; 3-4 hours of morning sun ideal for color intensity

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when top inch of soil feels dry. Reduce watering in winter. Mist foliage occasionally to maintain humidity

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Spacing: 12-18 inches apart for mature bushy plants inches

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

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Planting depth: Transplants at soil level; seeds barely covered (light required for germination)

Soil

Type: Well-draining, fertile potting soil or garden loam

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Peat moss or coconut coir Perlite or vermiculite for drainage Compost or aged manure

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Zones 10-11 as a perennial; grow as an annual or houseplant in zones 3-10

10b 11

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Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny plantlets with small green-tinged leaves emerge 7-14 days after sowing. Leaves gradually develop burgundy coloring

Keep soil consistently moist, provide bright indirect light, maintain 70-75°F temperature, avoid damping off with good air circulation

Vegetative Growth

4-6 weeks

Young plants develop multiple stems with increasingly darker foliage. Leaves expand and color deepens to rich burgundy-black with prominent red veining

Pinch stem tips every 2-3 weeks to encourage bushiness. Provide bright indirect light for best color. Water regularly and feed biweekly with balanced fertilizer

Maturation

Ongoing (weeks 6-16+)

Plant reaches full bushy habit with dense, velvety foliage displaying striking black-burgundy coloring and red margins. Leaves are largest and most vibrant

Continue pinching to maintain shape if desired. Feed monthly with diluted balanced fertilizer. Water when top inch of soil is dry. Remove any flowers that appear to direct energy to foliage

Flowering

Variable; prevent by regular pinching

Delicate spikes of small purple-blue flowers emerge from branch tips. Most gardeners remove flowers to preserve foliage display

Pinch off flower buds as they appear to encourage fuller foliage and maintain plant shape. If flowers are desired, provide slightly cooler temperatures (65-70°F)

Decline (Winter/End of Season)

Seasonal (fall/winter)

In cool temperatures or as annual season ends, foliage may fade slightly and growth slows. Tender to frost—plant dies or severely damages below 50°F

Bring indoors before first frost if growing as annual. Reduce watering. Take cuttings for overwintering. In zones 10-11, provide protection from cold snaps

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Caladium Impatiens Begonia Fern Dusty Miller Persian Shield Sweet Potato Vine Crossandra

Avoid planting near:

Full-sun plants requiring dry soil (sedums, lavender, rosemary) Heavy feeders competing for nutrients in small containers

Common Pests

Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; isolate affected plants; wipe leaves with rubbing alcohol on cotton swabs
Increase humidity and mist foliage; spray with neem oil or horticultural oil; improve air circulation
Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; reduce nitrogen fertilizer
Scrape off manually; treat with horticultural oil or neem oil; inspect new plants before bringing indoors
Improve drainage; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; use well-draining potting mix; remove affected roots and repot

Uses

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Interior Decoration & Houseplant

Household

Coleus 'Black Dragon' is a popular ornamental houseplant that adds dramatic foliage color to indoor spaces year-round. Its deep burgundy-black leaves create striking contrast in dish gardens, containers, and terrariums. [source]

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Garden Design & Container Gardens

Craft

This cultivar is widely used in summer annual gardens, mixed containers, and shade plantings where its dark foliage provides bold color contrast and texture. It pairs beautifully with lighter-colored or lime-green plants for dramatic effect. [source]

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Pollinator-Friendly Flowers

Wildlife

Though grown primarily for foliage, the delicate purple-blue flowers attract bees and other pollinators when allowed to bloom. Gardeners seeking pollinator-friendly plants can allow flowers to develop. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Uses

Medicinal

Coleus species have been used in Ayurvedic and traditional Asian medicine for various purposes, though 'Black Dragon' is primarily ornamental. The genus contains compounds studied for potential health applications. [source]

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Air-Purifying Houseplant

Household

Like many foliage plants, Coleus may contribute to indoor air quality by filtering indoor air pollutants, making it a beneficial decorative addition to homes and offices. [source]

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

Harvest Tips

Coleus 'Black Dragon' is not harvested for consumption. Pinch stem tips regularly (every 2-3 weeks) to encourage bushier growth and fuller foliage display. Remove flower spikes as they appear to redirect energy to leaf production. Take 4-6 inch cuttings in summer for propagation; root in water or moist soil within 1-2 weeks.

Fun Facts

🌱 Coleus 'Black Dragon' is native to Southeast Asia and is one of hundreds of coleus cultivars bred for spectacular foliage colors, ranging from pure black to neon lime to magenta patterns.
🌱 The striking deep burgundy-black color develops most intensely with bright, indirect light; plants grown in dimmer conditions will be greener and less dramatic.
🌱 Coleus is incredibly easy to propagate from cuttings—simply place a 4-inch stem cutting in water and roots develop within 1-2 weeks, making it perfect for sharing with friends or overwintering indoors.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Damping Off Full Sun Partial Shade Perennial

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