How to Grow Purple Coleus
Wikimedia Commons
Purple Coleus
Plectranthus scutellarioides
flowerPurple Coleus is a vibrant foliage plant prized for its striking deep purple, burgundy, or maroon leaves, often with contrasting veining or edges. It's a tropical perennial commonly grown as an annual in temperate climates and valued for adding bold color to garden beds, containers, and indoor spaces. The plant also produces delicate purple or blue flowers on tall spikes, though many gardeners pinch them off to encourage bushier foliage growth.
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Example Purple Coleus timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Purple 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 Purple Coleus blooms
Around May 8≈ 21 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 10-11 year-round; grown as tender annual in zones 3-9, often moved indoors before frost
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny leaves emerge and plants develop 2-4 true leaves. Growth is relatively rapid.
Keep soil consistently moist. Provide bright indirect light. Maintain warm temperatures (70-75°F). Thin seedlings to proper spacing.
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksPlant rapidly expands with numerous leaves developing along stems. Purple coloration deepens with maturity and proper light conditions.
Pinch off flower spikes to encourage bushier, fuller growth. Water regularly. Feed with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Ensure adequate indirect light for color development.
Flowering
Throughout growing seasonPurple or blue flower spikes emerge at stem tips. Flowers are delicate and tubular.
Pinch off flowers if foliage display is the goal, as this redirects energy to leaf production. Allow flowers to bloom if you enjoy them or want to collect seeds.
Peak Display
Summer through early fallPlant reaches full size and color intensity, with dense foliage showing maximum purple coloration and fullness.
Continue regular watering and feeding. Deadhead spent flowers. Continue pinching stems to maintain compact, bushy shape if desired.
End of Season/Overwintering
Fall through springIn zones 3-9, plants decline as temperatures drop below 50°F. In zones 10-11, growth slows slightly but plant persists.
Move container plants indoors before first frost to overwintering indoors on a bright windowsill or under grow lights. Reduce watering in winter. Can be propagated from cuttings to preserve favorite varieties.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; isolate affected plants; remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab
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Increase humidity; spray with water mist; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; ensure good air circulation
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; ensure adequate air circulation
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap; apply neem oil; introduce beneficial insects
Uses
Ornamental Foliage & Container Gardening
HouseholdPurple Coleus is primarily grown for its stunning deep purple foliage that brightens shaded garden beds, containers, and indoor spaces. It's an excellent choice for mixed container plantings, hanging baskets, and tropical-style gardens. [source]
Culinary Herb
CulinarySome coleus species are edible and used in Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly Thai cooking, where they're known as 'cha-om' or similar names. Purple Coleus leaves can be used in salads or as a garnish, though flavor varies by cultivar. [source]
Traditional Medicine
MedicinalColeus species, particularly Plectranthus forskohlii, have been used in Ayurvedic and traditional Indian medicine. Purple Coleus may have mild antimicrobial properties, though research is limited. [source]
Propagation & Plant Gifting
CraftPurple Coleus propagates easily from cuttings, making it ideal for sharing with other gardeners and maintaining plant collections year to year. Cuttings root readily in water or moist soil. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe purple-blue flowers attract bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators, making coleus a subtle but valuable addition to pollinator 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
Harvest leaves and stem cuttings at any time for fresh use or propagation. Pinch off the top 1-2 inches of stems regularly to encourage bushier growth and maintain compact shape. Cut above a leaf node. For seed collection, allow flowers to dry on the plant and collect seed pods before they split open.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Purple Coleus comes from Southeast Asia and Africa, where over 150 species and countless cultivars exist, offering an astounding array of color combinations and leaf patterns.
- 🌱 Coleus plants can be easily rooted in a glass of water on a windowsill, making them one of the most accessible plants for children and beginner gardeners to propagate.
- 🌱 The depth of purple coloration in Coleus depends heavily on light exposure—more bright indirect light intensifies the purple hues, while insufficient light can result in duller, greenish leaves.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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