How to Grow Coleus Lava Red
Wikimedia Commons
Coleus Lava Red
Plectranthus scutellarioides 'Lava Red'
flowerColeus Lava Red is a dramatic foliage plant prized for its deep crimson and burgundy velvety leaves with striking color patterns. This tender perennial is grown as an annual in most climates and is valued more for its ornamental foliage than its delicate blue-purple flower spikes. It thrives in containers and garden beds, adding bold color and texture to shaded and partially shaded spaces.
When should you plant Coleus Lava Red in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Coleus Lava Red timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Coleus Lava Red
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
First Coleus Lava Red blooms
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Coleus Lava Red dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10-11; grow as annual elsewhere or bring indoors in winter
Sign up free to see if Coleus Lava Red grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Coleus Lava Red timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with first true leaves showing early color hints; growth is slow initially
Keep soil warm (70-75°F), moist, and under bright indirect light. Provide bottom heat if possible. Maintain high humidity.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant rapidly develops multiple stems and leaves; distinctive red and burgundy coloring becomes more pronounced
Pinch growing tips every 2-3 weeks to encourage bushier branching. Fertilize weekly with balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10). Increase light gradually.
Foliage Maturation
3-4 weeksPlant reaches full size with dense foliage displaying deep crimson coloring; leaves develop velvety texture
Continue pinching to maintain shape and bushiness. Fertilize every 2 weeks. Ensure consistent moisture and adequate light for color intensity.
Flowering
Ongoing during growing season, typically summerSmall delicate blue-purple flowers appear on terminal spikes above foliage; blooming is secondary to foliage appeal
Deadhead flowers promptly to redirect energy to foliage production. Some gardeners remove flower buds entirely to enhance leaf development.
Maintenance & Overwintering
Seasonal transitionPlant continues producing colorful foliage; in cold climates, can be brought indoors before frost
Reduce fertilizing in fall. If overwintering indoors, provide bright indirect light and reduce water. Cut back severely in spring to rejuvenate.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; mist foliage regularly to increase humidity; isolate affected plants
-
Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; improve air circulation
-
Inspect regularly and remove by hand; treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap
-
Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; ensure good air circulation
-
Remove infected leaves; avoid overhead watering; improve air circulation; apply fungicide if severe
Uses
Ornamental Container & Landscape Accent
HouseholdColeus Lava Red serves as a striking focal point in mixed containers, hanging baskets, and garden beds, providing dramatic deep red foliage color that brightens shaded areas. Its velvety texture and intense coloring make it a popular choice for commercial and residential landscaping. [source]
Interior Houseplant
HouseholdGrown indoors as a colorful houseplant in bright indirect light, Coleus Lava Red adds vibrant foliage to homes and offices. It can be overwintered indoors and propagated easily from cuttings. [source]
Floral & Garden Design
CraftThe distinctive red and burgundy coloring makes this cultivar popular in flower arrangements, seasonal displays, and color-themed gardens. Designers use it to create contrast with silver foliage plants and cool-colored flowers. [source]
Edible Coleus (Limited)
CulinaryWhile some Coleus varieties are used in traditional Asian cuisine, ornamental varieties like Lava Red are not typically recommended for consumption. The plant is primarily decorative. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeThe delicate flowers attract bees and other pollinators, making Coleus beneficial in gardens designed to support pollinator populations. The nectar-rich flowers provide food for beneficial insects. [source]
Harvest Tips
Coleus is grown for foliage rather than harvest. Pinch growing tips and stems throughout the season to encourage bushier growth and enhance color. Cuttings root easily in water and can be propagated year-round. Take 4-6 inch stem cuttings just below a node; roots appear in 1-2 weeks.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Coleus has been cultivated as an ornamental plant for over 200 years and was particularly popular during the Victorian era, where it was grown extensively in elaborate bedding displays called 'carpet bedding.'
- 🌱 The name 'Coleus' comes from the Greek word 'koleos' meaning 'sheath,' referring to the way the stamens are enclosed. The plant is sometimes called 'Painted Nettle' due to its nettle-like leaves and vibrant colors.
- 🌱 Coleus cuttings root so readily in water that they can be propagated almost year-round with just a jar of water on a windowsill—making it an excellent plant for beginners and for creating numerous plants from a single parent plant.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Coleus Lava Red planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Coleus Lava Red seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Coleus Lava Red timeline →