How to Grow Florida Sunshine Coleus
Florida Sunshine Coleus
Plectranthus scutellarioides 'Florida Sunshine'
flowerFlorida Sunshine Coleus is a vibrant ornamental foliage plant featuring bright golden-yellow leaves with deep burgundy veining and margins, creating a striking contrast. This tender perennial is prized for its bold color and is typically grown as an annual in cooler climates. It adds tropical flair to containers, borders, and shade gardens.
When should you plant Florida Sunshine Coleus in your zone?
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Example Florida Sunshine Coleus timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Florida Sunshine 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 Florida Sunshine Coleus blooms
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Florida Sunshine Coleus dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Year-round in zones 10-11; grow as annual or bring indoors in zones 3-9
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Get my Florida Sunshine Coleus timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
10-14 daysTiny seedlings with first true leaves emerging; delicate and pale
Keep soil consistently moist under grow lights or bright indirect light. Maintain warmth (70-75°F). Avoid overwatering which causes damping off
Vegetative Growth
3-6 weeksRapid expansion of foliage; leaves developing characteristic golden color with burgundy veining; plant becomes bushy
Pinch back growing tips every 2-3 weeks to encourage bushier, fuller growth. Provide bright indirect light. Feed with balanced fertilizer every 10-14 days
Established Plant
Ongoing until frost or end of seasonFull-sized plant with dense foliage displaying vibrant golden-yellow coloring throughout. Plant reaches mature height and width
Continue pinching for compactness if desired. Maintain consistent moisture and bright light. Watch for pests on lower leaves. Fertilize every 2 weeks
Flowering
Mid to late summer onwardSmall, delicate purple or blue flowers emerge on spikes above foliage; flowers are secondary to the ornamental leaves
Pinch off flower spikes to redirect energy to foliage production and maintain vibrant leaf color. Some gardeners remove flowers to keep focus on leaf display
Winter/Dormancy
November-March in zones 3-9In cooler zones, plant growth slows significantly. Indoors, plant may drop some lower leaves but survives under grow lights
Reduce watering frequency. Maintain temperatures above 50°F. If growing as annual, plant dies back after frost. Can be overwintered indoors with reduced light and water
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity by misting foliage. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 3-5 days. Isolate affected plants
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Use yellow sticky traps. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Encourage air circulation around plant
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Wipe off with 70% isopropyl alcohol on cotton swab. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Repeat every 5-7 days as needed
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Spray with strong water stream to dislodge. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Apply every 3-5 days until controlled
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Let soil dry out slightly between waterings. Use yellow sticky traps. Treat with Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) if severe
Uses
Container & Tropical Gardening
HouseholdFlorida Sunshine Coleus excels in containers, hanging baskets, and mixed planters where its vibrant golden foliage brightens shaded patios and porches. It's also a popular houseplant and adds dramatic color to indoor living spaces with adequate bright indirect light. [source]
Shade Garden Accent
HouseholdThis coleus variety is ideal for brightening shaded garden areas where its golden coloring provides illumination in dim spots. It works well in woodland gardens and underplanting for larger shade-loving specimens. [source]
Leaf Pressing & Cut Arrangements
CraftThe striking colorful leaves are beautiful for pressing into botanical art projects or using fresh in flower arrangements and floral design. Leaves can be air-dried and preserved for crafts. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalColeus species have been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. While primarily ornamental, the plant contains compounds that may have wellness applications, though clinical research is limited. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeWhen allowed to flower, the purple-blue flowers attract pollinators including bees and hummingbirds, providing supplemental nectar sources in ornamental gardens. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Florida Sunshine Coleus is grown for foliage rather than harvest. Pinch off leaves and stem tips regularly to encourage bushier growth and maintain vibrant colors. Cuttings 3-4 inches long root easily in water or moist soil (5-7 days), making propagation simple for creating new plants. Remove flower spikes as they appear to redirect energy to leaf production
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Florida Sunshine Coleus is part of the Lamiaceae family (mint family) and is related to basil, oregano, and thyme, though it's grown purely for ornamental foliage rather than culinary use
- 🌱 Coleus plants have become extremely popular in recent years with over 1,000 registered cultivars, making them one of the most diverse ornamental plants; the variety explosion began in earnest in the 2000s
- 🌱 This cultivar's bright golden coloring intensifies with more light exposure, but too much direct sun can cause the leaves to fade or bleach to pale yellow-green; the perfect balance is bright indirect or dappled light
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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