How to Grow Coleus 'Dark Drama'
Wikimedia Commons
Coleus 'Dark Drama'
Plectranthus scutellarioides 'Dark Drama'
flowerColeus 'Dark Drama' is a striking ornamental foliage plant prized for its deep burgundy to nearly black leaves with contrasting bright pink or magenta veining. This tender perennial is grown as an annual in most climates and adds dramatic color and texture to gardens, containers, and indoor spaces. The plant produces attractive spiky purple flowers in late summer, though the colorful foliage is the main appeal.
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Example Coleus 'Dark Drama' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Coleus 'Dark Drama'
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 'Dark Drama' blooms
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Coleus 'Dark Drama' dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Perennial in zones 10-11; grown as an annual in zones 3-9, best displayed in zones 5-9
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Seedling
1-2 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with simple oval leaves. Plants are fragile and light green.
Maintain high humidity and consistent moisture. Provide bright indirect light. Keep at 70-75°F for best germination.
Vegetative Growth
3-6 weeksLeaves expand and develop rich burgundy coloring with contrasting pink veining. Plant becomes bushy with multiple stems.
Pinch stem tips to encourage bushier growth. Fertilize weekly with balanced liquid fertilizer. Colors deepen with moderate indirect light.
Maturation & Coloring
Ongoing through seasonPlant reaches full size with deeply colored dark burgundy-black leaves and bright pink venation fully developed. Dense, mounding form.
Continue pinching if additional fullness desired. Maintain consistent moisture and humidity. Colors remain vibrant with proper light.
Flowering
4-8 weeks, late summer to frostDelicate spiky purple or lavender flower spikes emerge at stem tips, typically in late summer/fall.
Deadhead flowers if foliage impact is priority, or allow flowering for seasonal variety. Flowers are minor compared to foliage display.
Dormancy/End of Season
Variable, until frost or end of growing seasonIf grown outdoors in cold climates, foliage begins to decline at first frost. Leaves may wilt or blacken.
Bring container plants indoors before frost. Can be overwintered indoors in bright conditions with reduced watering. Take cuttings to propagate for next season.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; isolate affected plants; inspect regularly and remove by hand if infestation is minor
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Increase humidity; spray with water; apply neem oil or miticide if severe; ensure good air circulation
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil; remove heavily infested leaves
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Allow soil surface to dry slightly between waterings; use sand layer on soil surface; apply insecticidal soap if needed
Uses
Ornamental Edibility
CulinaryWhile some Coleus species have edible tubers or leaves used in Asian cuisine, 'Dark Drama' is primarily grown as an ornamental and is not commonly eaten, though leaves are generally non-toxic. [source]
Container & Landscape Accent
HouseholdProvides dramatic dark foliage contrast in mixed container gardens, shade gardens, and as a houseplant. The striking burgundy and pink coloring adds depth and visual interest to any display. [source]
Pressed Flowers & Botanical Art
CraftThe distinctive veined leaves are beautiful when pressed and dried for botanical crafts, pressed flower art, and scrapbooking projects. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe purple flower spikes attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds in late season, providing nectar source when other flowers may be limited. [source]
Indoor Houseplant
HouseholdThrives as a low-maintenance indoor houseplant in bright indirect light, making it excellent for homes, offices, and tropical-style interior gardens. [source]
Harvest Tips
Coleus is grown for foliage, not harvest. Pinch or prune stem tips regularly (every 2-3 weeks) to maintain bushiness and enhance color intensity. Remove any flowers if foliage display is the priority. Cuttings root easily in water or moist soil and can be rooted for propagation or new plants. Take cuttings in late summer to overwinter indoors.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Coleus 'Dark Drama' is sometimes called 'Painted Nettle' due to its vivid painted-like leaf patterns and soft texture similar to nettle foliage.
- 🌱 The plant is incredibly easy to propagate—simply place a stem cutting in water and it will develop roots within 7-10 days, making it popular for plant swaps and sharing with friends.
- 🌱 Coleus is native to Southeast Asia and was used in traditional medicine and cuisine for centuries before becoming a popular ornamental plant in Victorian gardens during the 19th century.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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