Solid-Leaf Coleus (Sun-Loving)

Solid-color, sun-tolerant coleus is an easy-to-grow annual foliage plant that provides bold color to container gardens or landscape beds where it will intertwine with flowering annuals and perennials to brighten shady nooks. It is available in a broad range of colors, which are usually most intense in bright light. It needs warm temperatures and moist soil to perform at its best.

Varieties of Coleus

Big Red Judy Coleus

(Solenostemon 'UF06-40-01') has red-orange to maroon foliage. As its name suggests, it is a large plant, growing 3 to 4 feet tall.

Cantigny Royale Coleus

(Solenostemon 'Cantigny Royale') is a low-growing duckfoot type of coleus with deeply incised purple leaves. Its foliage sometimes takes on a greenish hue in shade. It grows 1 foot tall.

Dark Chocolate Coleus

(Solenostemon 'Dark Chocolate') offers dark purple-black foliage on an upright plant that thrives in both sun and shade. It grows 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide.

Dark Star Coleus

(Solenostemon 'Dark Star') has velvety purple leaves in full sun. In the shade it develops a dull green cast. Plants grow 2 feet tall.

Krispy Kritter Coleus

(Solenostemon 'Krispy Kritter') derives its name from its dark purple, crinkled foliage. It is an upright grower to 2 feet tall.

Pineapple Prince Coleus

(Solenostemon 'Pineapple Prince') has bronze to yellow-green leaves with maroon petioles and leaf undersides. It grows 18 to 24 inches tall.

Redhead Coleus

(Solenostemon 'UF0646') has maroon-red foliage in full sun or shade. The mounded plant grows 18 to 24 inches tall.

Garden Plans for Coleus