How to Grow Dark-leaved Coleus
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Dark-leaved Coleus
Plectranthus scutellarioides
flowerDark-leaved coleus is a tender perennial foliage plant prized for its deep burgundy, maroon, or near-black ornamental leaves. While it produces delicate blue or purple flowers, it is primarily grown for its striking foliage that adds drama and contrast to gardens and containers. The plant is easy to grow and propagate, making it popular for both indoor and outdoor cultivation.
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Example Dark-leaved Coleus timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Dark-leaved Coleus
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 Dark-leaved Coleus blooms
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10-11; grown as an annual or tender perennial in cooler zones (can overwinter indoors)
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Seedling
7-10 daysTiny seedlings with soft, light green initial leaves emerge from soil
Keep soil warm (70-75°F) and consistently moist. Provide bright indirect light. Thin seedlings to prevent crowding. Use seed heat mat if available.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops true leaves and stem structure; dark burgundy coloration begins to emerge on mature leaves
Pinch growing tips regularly to encourage bushy, compact growth and fuller foliage. Provide bright, indirect light for best color development. Water regularly and maintain humidity.
Established Growth
Ongoing during growing season (4-8 weeks)Plant reaches full size with dense foliage displaying rich dark colors; leaf texture and variegation fully expressed
Continue pinching for bushiness if desired. Feed every 2-3 weeks with balanced or slightly nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Maintain consistent moisture and warmth (65-75°F).
Flowering
6-12 weeks (can bloom repeatedly)Delicate spikes of small blue, purple, or lavender flowers emerge from leaf axils
Pinch or deadhead flowers to redirect energy to foliage production and maintain ornamental appearance. Flowering is secondary to foliage in dark-leaved coleus.
Dormancy/Overwintering
4-6 months (winter period)In cooler zones, plant enters dormancy or slows growth significantly; grown indoors as houseplant
Reduce watering and feeding. Maintain temperatures above 50°F. Provide bright indirect light indoors. Can be propagated from cuttings before frost to maintain plants year-round.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; isolate infected plants. Prune heavily infested stems. Check regularly for early infestations.
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Increase humidity; mist foliage regularly. Spray with water to dislodge. Use miticides if severe. Improve air circulation.
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Use yellow sticky traps to monitor. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Remove heavily infested leaves. Maintain good air circulation.
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Ensure excellent drainage. Avoid overwatering. Use well-draining soil mix. Remove affected plant portions. Improve air circulation around soil.
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Remove affected leaves promptly. Improve air circulation and avoid wetting foliage. Use fungicidal spray if widespread. Disinfect pruning tools between cuts.
Uses
Edible Ornamental Garnish
CulinarySome coleus varieties produce edible leaves with herbal flavors and can be used as an attractive garnish on plates or in drinks, though dark-leaved varieties are primarily ornamental. [source]
Interior Houseplant Decoration
HouseholdDark-leaved coleus makes an excellent low-maintenance indoor houseplant for desks, shelves, and tabletops, adding rich color contrast to indoor spaces. Its compact growth and striking foliage make it ideal for apartments and offices. [source]
Container & Garden Design
CraftThe dramatic dark burgundy to nearly black leaves provide outstanding color contrast in mixed containers, shade gardens, and landscape beds. Pairs beautifully with lighter-colored plants like caladiums, dusty miller, and coleus with chartreuse foliage. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeWhile foliage is the main ornamental feature, coleus flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinators, providing supplemental nectar sources in gardens with limited flowering plants. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalIn traditional Asian medicine, coleus species have been used to support respiratory and digestive health, though dark-leaved ornamental varieties are not typically used medicinally compared to medicinal coleus species. [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 ornamental foliage rather than harvest, but you can pinch off growing tips and terminal stems regularly to encourage bushy growth and maintain desired shape. Remove flower spikes as they appear to maximize foliage production. Take cuttings anytime during the growing season (spring/summer) for propagation—simply cut 3-4 inch stems, remove lower leaves, and root in water or moist soil mix. Cuttings root easily within 5-10 days and can be potted up afterward.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Dark-leaved coleus can be propagated from a single leaf or stem cutting placed in water—roots will develop within days to a week, making it one of the easiest plants to propagate for sharing with friends.
- 🌱 Despite being called a 'coleus,' the dark-leaved varieties are actually Plectranthus scutellarioides, not true Coleus, though the common name has stuck due to the plant's inclusion in the former Coleus genus.
- 🌱 The rich dark coloration in coleus leaves is due to high concentrations of anthocyanin pigments, the same compounds responsible for the colors in blueberries and red cabbage. More shade actually causes darker leaf color in many varieties.
Gardening Terms
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