How to Grow Coleus 'Royal Velvet'
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Coleus 'Royal Velvet'
Plectranthus scutellarioides 'Royal Velvet'
flowerColeus 'Royal Velvet' is an ornamental foliage plant prized for its deep burgundy to black velvety leaves with subtle veining that creates a dramatic, luxurious appearance. Despite being grown primarily for foliage, it produces delicate spikes of small purple or lavender flowers. This tender perennial is typically grown as an annual in most climates and is valued in tropical gardens, containers, and indoor spaces.
When should you plant Coleus 'Royal Velvet' in your zone?
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Example Coleus 'Royal Velvet' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Coleus 'Royal Velvet'
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 'Royal Velvet' blooms
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Coleus 'Royal Velvet' dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 10-11 year-round; Zones 3-9 as summer annual or houseplant
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Get my Coleus 'Royal Velvet' timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny emerged seedlings with 2-4 true leaves appear fragile. Initial foliage is pale green or lighter than mature coloring.
Keep soil moist and warm (70-75°F). Provide bright indirect light. Bottom heat (70-75°F) improves germination. Very light misting instead of watering prevents damping off.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksYoung plants rapidly develop multiple stems and leaves. Foliage gradually deepens in color toward burgundy and black. Plant becomes bushier with each pinching.
Pinch growing tips every 1-2 weeks to encourage branching and compact form. Increase watering as plant grows. Maintain warm temperatures (65-75°F). Feed weekly with diluted balanced fertilizer.
Mature Foliage
Ongoing as long as plant is maintainedPlant reaches full size with dense, bushy growth. Leaves display rich deep burgundy to near-black coloring with velvety texture. Full color intensity achieved.
Continue pinching if more compact form desired, or allow flowering. Maintain consistent moisture and warmth. Feed bi-weekly. Remove any reversion (lighter-colored shoots).
Flowering
4-8 weeks, often throughout warm seasonSmall delicate flower spikes emerge from leaf axils in purple, lavender, or near-white colors. Flowers are ornamental but secondary to foliage attraction.
Deadhead flowers if foliage is the priority, as flowering can reduce leaf production. Allow flowers if you want seed production or prefer the added texture.
Decline/Overwintering
3-4 months (winter season)In winter or cold conditions, foliage may lose vibrancy and plant growth slows significantly. Leaves may drop if exposed to temperatures below 50°F.
Move indoors before first frost in Zones 3-9. Reduce watering and feeding in dormancy. Maintain temperatures above 60°F. Cut back in spring to rejuvenate.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil weekly until controlled. Remove heavily infested leaves. Isolate affected plants. Improve air circulation.
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Increase humidity by misting foliage. Spray with neem oil or miticide. Wash leaves with strong water spray. Maintain 50%+ humidity indoors.
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Yellow sticky traps to monitor. Spray undersides of leaves with insecticidal soap. Use neem oil. Remove heavily infested leaves.
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Remove by hand, especially at night. Create barriers of diatomaceous earth or crushed eggshells. Keep area free of excessive moisture and debris.
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Ensure excellent drainage and air circulation. Remove affected plant material immediately. Avoid overhead watering. Reduce watering frequency.
Uses
Ornamental Container & Houseplant
HouseholdRoyal Velvet's deep burgundy-black foliage adds dramatic visual interest to mixed containers, tropical gardens, shaded patios, and indoor spaces. Its colorful leaves brighten dim corners and complement lighter-foliaged companions. [source]
Cut Foliage & Floral Arrangements
CraftStems and individual leaves are striking additions to floral arrangements, corsages, and craft projects. The velvety texture and deep color provide contrast in bouquets and dried arrangements. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeDelicate flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it a beneficial addition to gardens supporting insect populations. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalColeus species (Plectranthus) have been used in traditional Southeast Asian and Indian medicine for respiratory health and anti-inflammatory purposes, though scientific evidence is limited. [source]
Indoor Air Quality
HouseholdLike many foliage plants, Coleus contributes to indoor air purification and creates a lush, healthy indoor environment while improving aesthetics. [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 grown for foliage rather than harvest. Pinch leaf tips regularly (starting when plant has 4-6 true leaves) to encourage branching and full, compact form. Remove flower spikes if foliage is the priority. Take stem cuttings at any time for propagation (root in water in 1-2 weeks). Continue harvesting outer leaves and tips throughout the growing season to maintain shape and vigor.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Coleus 'Royal Velvet' gets its distinctive velvety texture from fine hairs on the leaf surface, which also provide some protection from pests and environmental stress.
- 🌱 Despite being called a 'flower,' Coleus is actually grown almost exclusively for its foliage; the plant was popularized in Victorian era specifically for dramatic leaf colors and patterns rather than blooms.
- 🌱 Coleus is remarkably easy to propagate from stem cuttings in water—roots develop within 1-2 weeks, making it simple to share plants with friends or create backup plants before winter dormancy.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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