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Types of coleus are plants that come in many colors and sizes. Some types have leaves with a wavy edge while others are more straight-edged. There is no such thing as the "typical" type of coleus plant, but there are some common varieties available for purchase at most garden centers.
The two most popular types of coleus plants are the peacock and tiger varieties. The peacock variety has deep purple/blue veins on white or light green leaves, while the tiger variety has dark stripes on a lighter background color leaf (usually yellow). Other less common types include those with variegated leaves, which have different colored patterns on them; these can be found in shades from cream to reds to oranges. No matter what the type, coleus plants are a great way to add life and color to a yard or garden bed.
Peacock Coleus
The peacock variety of coleus is an excellent choice for a garden due to its beauty and versatility. It looks great as part of many different kinds of landscaping and can be used in flower beds, gardens or even containers. They can stand up well alone or surrounded by other plants. This type of plant can also grow tall when given the proper amount of space.
The peacock variety of coleus plant can handle more sun exposure than other types of plants. They thrive when the soil has been enriched with generous amounts of compost or manure. Growers will also encourage more blooms by removing dead leaves and stems and regularly fertilizing the plant with a commercial fertilizer. Mulching around the base of the plant is also recommended to keep moisture from leaving the soil too quickly, which can cause wilting.
Tiger Coleus
There are many varieties of the tiger coleus plant, but all have dark stripes on light green or yellow leaves. This is one of the most popular types of coleus plants due to the deep colors it displays in both summer and fall.
These plants make great additions to any garden because they can handle both heavy shade and excessive sunlight, making them versatile if the gardener is unsure of what other plants might be complimentary to it. They also look great with many kinds of flowers and can enhance an ornamental garden with a large variety of blooms.
Tiger coleus do best when planted in well-drained soil that has been enriched with organic matter, such as compost or manure. Leaves are usually smaller than those of the other types of coleus plants, but they can grow more leaves if given enough space and good care.
Tiger and peacock coleus plants do well when grown in containers or in a garden bed with other plants that will not overshadow them. They look great when planted under trees or next to other plants that will give them some shade in the sun.
Variegated Coleus
Variegated coleus plants bring a unique look to the garden with their leaves that are splashed with colors, usually shades of yellow, red or white. They add bright spots of color and can be used around more mundane plants such as grasses in order to add some variety to the yard or garden bed.
The variegated coleus plant prefers the sun in order to keep its leaves from getting too large, but it can handle more shade than most other types of plants. It requires good drainage in order to thrive, and also needs a rich soil that has been enriched with compost. Variegated coleus are not picky eaters and will even attract beneficial insects to the garden.
Rustic Orange Coleus
This coleus plant is a rare variety that can add some color to any garden. It has orange leaves with green underneath, which makes it stand out in gardens that have other dark green varieties of plants bordering it.
It requires at least six hours of sunlight to help keep the leaves from becoming large and unattractive. Rustic orange coleus plants tend to grow best in clay soils that have good drainage, but they are also suitable for growing in sandy substrate.
The rustic orange coleus plant can be used as a buffer between different kinds of plants or it can stand alone in the garden. It is not usually seen growing in containers, since its leaves will not reduce well.
Rose Coleus
The rose coleus plant is an interesting variety because its leaves can be pink and it has a light green stem. The leaves have distinctive ruffled edges that make them more noticeable than the other varieties of coleus plants. It may also grow upright in full sun exposure, but it is best when given some shade.
This coleus plant needs to be planted in well-drained soil that has been enriched with compost or organic matter. It can live in clay or sandy soils, and does not do well when it is planted next to other types of plants that will outgrow it. Rose coleus plants are usually grown in containers so their root systems are not disturbed when they are moved from place to place.
Rose coleus plants look great in a decorative container with other ornamental plants or flowers that will enhance the color of its leaves. They can also make good borders around flower beds, especially if they are planted close together in order to minimize any gaps between them.
Kiwi Fern Coleus
Kiwi ferns are another rare coleus plant variety that can add interest to any garden. They have green leaves with white frilly edges, and the flowers are also green, which makes this a perfect candidate for growing in containers.
Kiwi coleus plants look good planted around the edges of the garden or they can be used to add some color to a container on its own. They are not as large as some of the other varieties, but they are very attractive and they look great when planted under trees or near other plants that will provide a bit of shade.
White Coleus
White coleus leaves can brighten up any garden with their white color, especially if there are dark green surrounding plants. These coleus plants need at least six hours of sun every day in order to keep their leaves from getting too large, and they can live in clay or sandy soils. White coleus plants can be used as borders around other types of plants or they can stand alone next to something that will give them some shade.
Sunset Coleus
If a variety of coleus plants with red leaves is wanted, then this is the right choice. It has green stems and veins on the underside of its leaves that glow bright red when it gets hot outside. Sunset coleus plants need to be grown in full sun or they might not get enough sunlight to turn their leaves a vivid shade of red.
Like many of the other varieties, this coleus plant needs to be planted in well-drained soil that has been enriched with compost or organic matter. It can live in clay or sandy soils and it does not do well when planted near trees that will outgrow it as they mature. Sunset coleus plants are usually grown in containers so their root systems are not disturbed when they are moved from place to place.
Sunset coleus plants do well when planted next to ornamental flowers or shrubs that can enhance the color of their leaves. They look great as borders around plants and flower beds, and also make good decorative containers on their own. Gardening should be fun, and the coleus plant selection is proof of how diverse these plants can be.
Henna Coleus
Henna coleus plants are an interesting variety because of their dark green leaves and light green stems. The edges of the leaflets have a reddish tint which makes them more eye-catching than other varieties. Henna coleus plants need at least six hours of sunlight each day in order to keep their leaves from getting too large.
Henna coleus plants look great in containers with other plants that will match the color of their leaves. They have pretty red blossoms that open at night and close up by morning, which adds interest and beauty to a garden.
Fishnet Stockings Coleus
This is an attractive leafy plant that has green stems and veins on the undersides of its leaves that have a fishnet pattern. The edges of its leaflets are green with some white spots, which makes them stand out in any garden setting. Fishnet stockings coleus plants need at least six hours of sun each day in order to keep their leaves from becoming too large.
Fishnet stockings coleus plants are often used as a border around flower beds and they look great when planted under trees or near other ornamental plants that can add more color to the garden setting.
Black Magic Coleus
This variety of coleus plant has dark green leaves with a reddish tint to them, and they also have edges that are a darker shade than the rest of the leaf. Black magic coleus plants need at least six hours of sunlight each day and they do not do well when planted near trees or shrubs since their root systems can become easily tangled with larger plants.
Black magic coleus plants are often planted as a border around flower beds or they can be used to create height in the garden. They work well when placed next to other plants that have complimentary colors like pink, orange or red. Black magic coleus plants look great when grown in containers and people who want an eye-catching plant should put them at the center of attention in the garden.
Trailing Plumeria
This type of coleus plant has green leaves and stems on the underside that have a plumeria flower pattern. The edges of its leaflets are tipped with white spots that give them a unique look, which is why they are called "plumeria". Trailing plumeria coleus plants do best when planted in well-drained soil that has been enriched with compost or organic matter.
Trailing plumeria coleus plants are unique because they trail as they grow so it is easier to create an interesting garden setting by using them as a ground cover along pathways and walkways. They can be used to soften hardscapes such as sidewalks or patios, and they look great next to other plants that have blossoms or colorful berries.
Mosaic Coleus
This type of coleus plant has dark green leaves and stems on the underside that have a mosaic pattern on them. The edges of its leaflets are tipped with white spots, making this a very attractive leafy plant. Mosaic coleus plants need at least six hours of sunlight each day and they do not need a lot of water to thrive.
Mosaic coleus plants are often used as borders around flower beds or other ornamental plants. They also work well when planted in containers or baskets that will show off their pretty foliage. Mosaic coleus plants look great when they are placed in the sunniest spot in the garden.
FAQS
Are coleus plants poisonous?
Coleus foliage is harmless, but the tubers do contain solanine and are mildly toxic to humans and animals.
How do I prune coleus plants?
Coleus can be pruned by pinching back growth tips each time they reach about 8 inches from the ground. Pinching growth tips encourages branching and fuller plants.
How do I propagate coleus plants?
Properly cleaning and allowing the cuttings to callous for a few days are important to ensure rooting. Coleus stem cuttings root easily, so it is not necessary to treat them with a hormone or mixed with rooting compound unless they will be inserted into an inert medium such as perlite.
Stem cuttings are typically 10-20 cm or 4-8 inches long and have between 2-5 nodes. Slanted cuts should be made at these nodes, which allows the plant to grow readily without rot and disease problems. Coleus plants propagated by stem cuttings root faster and are healthier than those grown from seed.
Another option is rooting the basal cuttings, which are typically around 2-3 inches long. Leaf cuttings, or leafy slips, root easily and are less likely to suffer from fungal problems than stem cuttings.
How do I use coleus in my landscaping?
Coleus can be planted on a bank for effect and easy maintenance or placed near water fountains as decoration. Another popular option is to place them in the ground, along sidewalks so they are easily visible from the street. They can even be used for roof top gardens!
How do I make a coleus plant bloom?
To promote flowering, pinch off the tips of coleus stems when they reach about 8-10 inches. This will encourage branching and will help to keep the plants bushy. When plants flower, growth may slow down for awhile, but after flowers fade new shoots appear quickly.
What diseases are coleus plants susceptible to?
Coleus plants are resistant to aphids, spider mite and cabbage looper. Coleus is vulnerable to bacterial wilt and fungal wilts such as botrytis, phytophthora blight and powdery mildew.
Conclusion
Coleus plants are a natural way to add beauty and life to your garden. Coleus plants will often bloom multiple times in a year, so they make great focal points in the garden. Pinching of the tips of coleus stems promotes branching, which is important because when they flower the long flower stems may collapse.
Because it is an evergreen plant, coleus doesn't take away from the curb appeal of your home in the winter months. With its wide range of colors and sizes of foliage, coleus is a versatile plant that can accent any garden bed or container.
If you have children, make sure they know not to eat anything given to them by a plant. Coleus is able to be consumed, but it can also cause problems for small children and pets if they eat too much of the plant's tubers.
Coleus plants are generally pest free so you don't have to spend time worrying about what kind of pests may infest your garden. They are hardy plants that require very little attention, making them the perfect plants for a beginner gardener.
