How to Grow Pink Velour
Wikimedia Commons
Pink Velour
Solenostemon scutellarioides
flowerPink Velour is a stunning ornamental coleus cultivar prized for its velvety, deep pink to magenta foliage with contrasting darker veining that creates a luxurious texture. This tender perennial thrives in tropical and subtropical climates and is widely grown as an annual houseplant or summer bedding plant. Its dramatic foliage provides year-round color and visual interest in gardens, containers, and indoor spaces.
When should you plant Pink Velour in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Pink Velour timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Pink Velour
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
First Pink Velour blooms
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Pink Velour dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 10b-11; grow as an annual in cooler climates or bring indoors for winter
Sign up free to see if Pink Velour grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Pink Velour timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny leaves emerge with paler pink coloring; plant is delicate and requires high humidity and consistent moisture
Keep under grow lights or bright indirect light; maintain high humidity with misting or cover; avoid direct sun
Early Growth
2-4 weeksFirst true leaves develop and begin showing deeper pink coloration and characteristic texture; plant doubles in size
Pinch tips to encourage branching; maintain warm temperatures (65-75°F); fertilize weekly with diluted balanced fertilizer
Vegetative Development
4-6 weeksPlant becomes bushier with multiple stems; foliage deepens to rich magenta-pink with prominent veining; velvety texture becomes more pronounced
Continue pinching growing tips for fuller shape; increase water frequency; move to brighter location; maintain humidity
Mature Foliage
Ongoing with proper carePlant reaches full size with dense, colorful foliage; tall flower spikes may emerge with tiny purple or blue flowers
Pinch flower buds to direct energy to foliage; maintain consistent watering and feeding schedule; monitor for pests
Decline/Winter
SeasonalGrowth slows in cool temperatures; foliage may drop or become pale if light is insufficient; plant becomes less vigorous
Reduce watering; move indoors or to warmer location; cut back on fertilizer; provide bright indirect light
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; isolate affected plant; wipe leaves with alcohol-soaked cotton swab
-
Increase humidity through misting; spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or miticide if severe
-
Remove by hand or with soft brush; treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap
-
Use yellow sticky traps; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly; improve air circulation
-
Ensure well-draining soil; reduce watering frequency; repot in fresh soil if roots are mushy
Uses
Ornamental Foliage
HouseholdPink Velour's stunning magenta-pink velvety foliage makes it an exceptional houseplant and container specimen for adding dramatic color and texture to indoor spaces, patios, and summer gardens. [source]
Floral Arrangements & Design
CraftThe distinctive pink velvet-textured leaves can be incorporated into fresh floral arrangements, mixed containers, and landscape designs for unique visual interest and color depth. [source]
Container Gardening
HouseholdIdeal for mixed containers, hanging baskets, and pot combinations where it serves as a dramatic focal point or colorful filler plant alongside complementary colors and textures. [source]
Indoor Decoration
HouseholdPopular as a low-maintenance indoor plant for bright spaces, offices, and homes where its vibrant foliage provides continuous color without requiring flowers. [source]
Harvest Tips
Pinch growing tips regularly (every 2-3 weeks) to encourage bushier growth and maintain desired shape. Remove flower spikes as they appear to direct plant energy to foliage production. Cuttings can be taken year-round and rooted in water or moist soil for propagation.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Coleus is one of the easiest plants to propagate: simply snip a stem cutting, place it in water, and roots develop within 1-2 weeks
- 🌱 Pink Velour foliage deepens in color with bright indirect light but can fade in insufficient light or intense direct sun
- 🌱 Though coleus is technically a perennial, it dies back or becomes leggy in temperatures below 50°F, making it best grown as an annual or brought indoors for winter
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Pink Velour planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Pink Velour seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Pink Velour timeline →