How to Grow Pink Splash
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Pink Splash
Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Pink Splash'
shrubPink Splash is a stunning ornamental coleus cultivar prized for its vibrant foliage featuring deep burgundy-purple leaves with bright pink or red splashes and veining. This tender perennial is grown as an annual in most climates and is valued for its dramatic color contrast and easy care requirements. It thrives in containers, garden beds, and hanging baskets, adding tropical flair to any landscape.
When should you plant Pink Splash in your zone?
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Example Pink Splash timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Pink Splash
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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Harvest Pink Splash
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Pink Splash dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 10-11 year-round; grow as an annual in cooler zones or move indoors in winter
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Get my Pink Splash timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny leaves emerge with basic coleus shape but minimal coloring; plants are fragile and light green
Keep soil evenly moist, provide bright indirect light, maintain 70-75°F temperature, protect from direct sun and drafts
Vegetative
3-4 weeksPlants develop multiple sets of leaves with characteristic pink splashing and burgundy coloring becoming more pronounced; stems strengthen
Pinch growing tips regularly to encourage bushiness, maintain consistent moisture, fertilize every 1-2 weeks with balanced fertilizer, provide bright light for color development
Bushy Foliage
ongoing while plant is healthyPlant reaches mature width and height with fully vibrant pink and burgundy variegation throughout the canopy; dense branching structure
Continue pinching flower spikes to maintain foliage focus, fertilize every 1-2 weeks, maintain humid conditions, monitor for pests on undersides of leaves
Flowering
Can occur throughout growing season if not deadheadedTall spikes of tiny purple, blue, or white flowers emerge above the foliage; flowering is not the ornamental focus
Pinch off flower spikes as they appear to redirect energy back to foliage production and maintain plant shape, or allow some flowers if desired for pollinators
Winter Dormancy/Overwintering
3-4 months depending on climateGrowth slows significantly; plant may drop some leaves and colors become less vibrant in low light conditions
Move indoors before first frost in zones below 10, place in brightest window available, reduce watering, lower fertilization, maintain temperatures above 50°F
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil; isolate affected plants; inspect undersides of leaves regularly
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Increase humidity to reduce infestations; spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or miticide if severe
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap; ensure good air circulation
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and
Remove by hand, use slug baits, create barriers with diatomaceous earth, avoid overwatering
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Improve drainage, reduce watering frequency, repot in fresh soil, remove affected portions
Uses
Ornamental Houseplant & Tropical Décor
HouseholdPink Splash's striking foliage makes it an excellent choice for brightening indoor spaces, containers, and garden beds. Its dramatic coloring provides year-round visual interest and tropical ambiance without requiring flowers. [source]
Container & Hanging Basket Gardening
HouseholdIts compact, bushable growth habit and vibrant colors make Pink Splash ideal for potted displays, mixed containers, and hanging baskets. It thrives in containers longer than many annuals. [source]
Shade Garden Accent Plant
HouseholdPink Splash adds color to shady spots where many flowering plants struggle. Its bright pink variegation creates focal points in otherwise dark garden areas. [source]
Edible Ornamental Foliage
CulinaryColeus leaves are edible and mildly aromatic, used in some Asian cuisines. Pink Splash leaves can be used as a garnish or in herbal teas, though the primary appeal is ornamental. [source]
Cut Foliage Arrangements
CraftPink Splash stems hold their color well in floral arrangements and can be used as foliage filler for mixed bouquets. The striking pink and burgundy colors add visual drama to arrangements. [source]
Harvest Tips
Pink Splash is grown for foliage rather than harvest. Pinch stem tips every 2-3 weeks to encourage branching and maintain bushiness. Remove flower spikes as they appear to maintain focus on leaf production. Cuttings can be propagated year-round in water or moist soil for propagation—they root readily within 1-2 weeks.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Pink Splash coleus are often more vibrant in cooler temperatures (50-70°F) as anthocyanins deepen the red and burgundy colors, making fall displays particularly stunning
- 🌱 Coleus were highly fashionable in Victorian gardens as 'foliage plants' and remained popular until the rise of bedding plants in the mid-20th century; they're now experiencing a major renaissance among gardeners
- 🌱 Pink Splash propagates almost absurdly easily—a single leaf or stem cutting placed in water will root within 1-2 weeks, making it one of the best plants for sharing cuttings with friends
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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