How to Plant and Grow Veined-Leaf Coleus (Sun-Loving)

Sun-tolerant coleus with patterned veins is easy to grow. It is an annual foliage plant that thrives in warm weather with moist soil conditions. You also can plant it in container gardens or landscape beds for season-long color. Most varieties can be grown in sun or shade, but often develop more intense coloration in bright light. When frost threatens, move plants indoors to enjoy them as houseplants in a sunny window until spring. Then plant them outdoors once again!

Varieties of Coleus

Crimson Ruffles Coleus

(Solenostemon 'Crimson Ruffles') has deep purple leaves with magenta veins. The frilly leaf margins are green. A greater proportion of green color develops on the leaves in shade. It grows 18 inches tall.

Dipt in Wine Coleus

(Solenostemon 'Dipt in Wine') sports maroon leaves with red or chartreuse veins and a green leaf margin. The base and center of the leaf often develop with chartreuse coloration. It grows 3 feet tall.

Electric Lime Coleus

(Solenostemon 'UF04335') glows with puckered, lime-green and lemon-yellow foliage in a netted pattern. It grows 20 inches tall in sun or shade.

Fishnet Stockings Coleus

(Solenostemon 'Fishnet Stockings') has deep purple veins in a netlike pattern on bright green leaves. Newest leaves bear the most intense purple coloration, which gradually fades to green. The plant grows 2 feet tall.

Gays Delight Coleus

(Solenostemon 'Gays Delight') produces lime-green leaves with purple-black linear veins. It grows 3 feet tall.

Kingswood Torch Coleus

(Solenostemon 'Kingswood Torch') develops into a large plant that reaches 42 inches tall. A magenta central core and veins are overlaid with a maroon wash. The scalloped leaf edges add a touch of bright green.

Lime Frill Coleus

(Solenostemon 'Lime Frill') sparkles with lime-green foliage, creamy-yellow veins, and frilly leaf margins. It tolerates sun or shade, but is best out of direct afternoon sun. It grows 18 inches tall.

Pineapple Splash Coleus

(Solenostemon 'UF06-02-78') sizzles with pineapple-yellow leaves bearing a band of crimson along the central vein. Grow it in full sun or part shade. It grows 3 feet tall.

Red Ruffles Coleus

(Solenostemon 'Red Ruffles') produces rosy-pink leaves with an overlay of bronzy black and deeply fringed leaf margins. It grows 20 inches tall.

The Line Coleus

(Solenostemon 'The Line') offers eye-popping chartreuse leaves that have a dark purple band down the center. It grows 3 feet tall and wide.

Garden Plans for Coleus