How to Grow Kopper King Coleus
Kopper King Coleus
Plectranthus scutellarioides 'Kopper King'
flowerKopper King is a striking ornamental coleus cultivar prized for its deep burgundy-red foliage with darker veining and a velvety texture. It grows as a tender perennial or annual, reaching 12-18 inches tall, and is primarily grown for its stunning foliage rather than its delicate purple flowers. This variety is an excellent choice for containers, borders, and tropical-style gardens where dramatic color is desired.
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Example Kopper King Coleus timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Kopper King 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 Kopper King Coleus blooms
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Kopper King Coleus dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives year-round in zones 10-11; grown as an annual in cooler zones
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings with pale green cotyledons appear within 7-14 days. True leaves begin emerging with hints of color.
Keep soil moist under bright, indirect light. Maintain 70-75°F. Avoid heavy watering that causes damping off.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant rapidly develops more leaves with burgundy coloring intensifying. Stems become woody and branching begins, reaching 4-8 inches tall.
Pinch growing tips every 2 weeks to encourage bushier, fuller growth. Fertilize bi-weekly with balanced fertilizer. Ensure bright, indirect light for best color development.
Branching & Maturation
4-6 weeksPlant reaches mature height of 12-18 inches with dense branching and full foliage coverage. Deep burgundy-red color is fully developed with contrasting darker veins visible.
Continue pinching tips for bushier form if desired. Maintain consistent moisture and humidity. Remove any flower spikes to redirect energy to foliage if flowers aren't desired.
Dormancy/Winter Rest
3-4 monthsIn cooler zones or as outdoor annuals, plant dies back after first frost. In zones 10-11, growth slows but plant persists; foliage may appear less vibrant.
Indoors, reduce watering and cease fertilizing. Keep in cool location (55-65°F). Can be cut back and propagated from cuttings 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 every 7-10 days. Remove heavily infested leaves. Isolate affected plants.
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Increase humidity by misting. Spray with water to dislodge mites. Use miticide or neem oil if infestation is severe. Improve 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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Scrape off by hand or with soft brush. Spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap weekly until controlled.
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Ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. Remove affected plant parts. Repot in fresh soil if severe. Improve drainage and air circulation.
Uses
Container gardening and tropicalstyling
HouseholdKopper King is exceptional in pots, hanging baskets, and window boxes where its deep burgundy foliage creates dramatic visual impact. It's ideal for creating tropical-themed gardens, borders, and mixed container displays. [source]
Indoor houseplant
HouseholdAs a tender perennial, Kopper King thrives indoors near bright, indirect light. It's perfect for brightening dim interior spaces with rich color and can be overwintered indoors in cooler climates. [source]
Cut foliage for floral arrangements
CraftThe striking burgundy leaves make excellent additions to fresh flower arrangements and tropical bouquets, providing deep color and texture that complements many flower varieties. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeWhile grown primarily for foliage, the purple flower spikes attract bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators when allowed to bloom, supporting local pollinator populations. [source]
Potential culinary herb
CulinaryWhile not commonly used, coleus species (including Kopper King) have mild mint-like leaves that are edible and can be used as a garnish or flavoring in beverages. Always verify cultivar safety before consumption. [source]
Harvest Tips
Kopper King is grown for ornamental foliage, not harvested in the traditional sense. Pinch growing tips regularly (every 2-3 weeks) to promote bushier growth and maintain desired shape. Cuttings (4-6 inches long) can be taken anytime during the growing season and rooted in water or moist soil to propagate new plants. Remove flower spikes as they appear if you prefer to focus energy on foliage production.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Kopper King gets its name from the distinctive deep copper-bronze coloration of its foliage, which intensifies with exposure to bright light and cool temperatures.
- 🌱 Coleus was treasured by Victorian gardeners as a 'foliage plant' and experienced a major popularity surge during the 19th century as breeding developed increasingly dramatic color patterns and textures.
- 🌱 Unlike many ornamental houseplants, Kopper King can be propagated indefinitely from cuttings—a single mother plant can generate dozens of new plants throughout a growing season, making it extremely economical for gardeners.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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