How to Grow Coleus Burgundy Wine
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Coleus Burgundy Wine
Plectranthus scutellarioides 'Burgundy Wine'
flowerColeus Burgundy Wine is a striking ornamental foliage plant prized for its deep burgundy and wine-colored leaves with intricate vein patterns. This tender perennial is grown as an annual in most climates and adds dramatic color to gardens, containers, and indoor spaces. It produces delicate purple flower spikes but is primarily cultivated for its stunning foliage rather than its blooms.
When should you plant Coleus Burgundy Wine in your zone?
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Example Coleus Burgundy Wine timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Coleus Burgundy Wine
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 Coleus Burgundy Wine blooms
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Coleus Burgundy Wine dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 10-11 year-round; grown as summer annual in zones 3-9
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Get my Coleus Burgundy Wine timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny leaves emerge with pale coloration; plant is delicate and compact
Maintain warm soil (70-75°F), high humidity, and bright indirect light. Keep soil moist. Begin fertilizing weekly once first true leaves appear.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant develops more leaves as foliage color deepens to burgundy; stems elongate and branch
Pinch back growing tips every 2-3 weeks to encourage bushier growth. Maintain consistent moisture and provide balanced fertilizer every 10-14 days.
Maturation
Ongoing until frost or season's endFull burgundy wine color develops in leaves with rich veining; plant reaches desired size and fullness
Continue pinching if needed for shape. Maintain regular watering and feeding schedule. Remove flower spikes if focusing on foliage display.
Flowering
2-3 months (can occur year-round indoors)Delicate purple-blue flower spikes emerge from leaf axils
Pinch off flowers if foliage display is priority. Flowers attract pollinators but consume plant energy.
Harvest/End of Season
Variable by climatePlant growth slows with cooler fall temperatures; foliage color may intensify
Bring indoors before first frost or take cuttings for overwintering. Cut back plant if saving for next season.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap; isolate affected plants; apply neem oil every 7-10 days
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Increase humidity; spray with water forcefully; use miticide or neem oil if severe
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Remove with soft brush; apply horticultural oil; use insecticidal soap
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Use sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap; apply neem oil
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and
Remove by hand; use slug bait; create barriers; encourage predators
Uses
Edible Ornamental
CulinaryWhile primarily ornamental, some coleus varieties including the foliage have been used in traditional Asian cuisine as a garnish and for mild flavor. The Burgundy Wine variety's intense coloration makes it visually striking as a plate garnish. [source]
Interior & Container Gardening
HouseholdPerfect for houseplants, shade gardens, and container arrangements. The stunning burgundy foliage adds dramatic color to patios, decks, and indoor spaces. Excellent in mixed containers with shade-tolerant companions. [source]
Floral Design & Arrangements
CraftThe decorative foliage is highly valued by florists and floral designers for adding color, texture, and drama to fresh arrangements and bouquets. Stems last well in water and provide striking background elements. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalIn traditional Ayurvedic and Southeast Asian medicine, coleus species have been used to support respiratory health and digestive function. Consult herbalists before medicinal use. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeThe delicate purple flower spikes attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, supporting pollinator populations in the garden. While grown primarily for foliage, flowers provide nectar sources. [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 is harvested by cutting stems and leaves as needed throughout the growing season. Pinch back stem tips regularly to encourage bushier growth and maintain shape. Cuttings root easily in water or moist soil, making propagation simple. For overwintering, take 4-6 inch cuttings in late summer and root indoors. Harvest before first frost in cold climates to preserve the plant.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Coleus Burgundy Wine is one of hundreds of coleus cultivars; breeders have created an astounding variety of color combinations from pure white to nearly black with every shade in between.
- 🌱 Coleus roots develop so rapidly that cuttings placed in water will produce roots within 7-10 days, making it one of the easiest plants to propagate by novice gardeners.
- 🌱 Despite being a tender perennial from Southeast Asia, coleus has become so popular as a summer annual in temperate climates that it's now a common garden staple in zones 3-9.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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