A Comprehensive Guide to 21 Stunning Coleus Varieties for Your Garden

Are you looking to add a bold splash of color to your garden? Look no further than coleus. With its striking foliage in hues ranging from vibrant pink and lime green to deep burgundy, coleus is a versatile plant that can brighten up any outdoor living space. In this article, we’ll explore 21 of the best coleus varieties that you can add to your garden to create a stunning display of colors and textures.

Getting to Know Coleus

Coleus is a genus of plants that are prized for their eye-catching foliage. They are low-maintenance, tender perennials that thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 10 to 11 and as annuals in other zones. While they do produce lavender-blue inflorescences at the end of the season, these are often removed to prolong the growing season and allow the foliage to take center stage.

When shopping for coleus plants, you may come across a variety of botanical names and species, as coleus plants were recently reclassified to absorb two former genera, Solenostemon and Plectranthus. However, all of these varieties are suitable for home gardens and containers, and many newer hybrids can tolerate full sun as long as they receive enough moisture to prevent leaf scorch.

The Best Coleus Varieties for Your Garden

Without further ado, let’s dive into 21 of the best coleus varieties that are sure to add a pop of color to your garden:

1. Black Dragon

Furry and lifelike leaves with magenta-red centers and deep purple-black margins
Ideal for partial to deep shade
Mature dimensions: 12-14 inches tall and 10-12 inches wide

2. Chocolate Covered Cherry

Two-tone leaves with magenta-red centers and mahogany brown margins edged in lime green
Suitable for full sun or partial to deep shade
Mature dimensions: 12-14 inches tall and 10-12 inches wide

3. Chocolate Drop

Strawberry-like leaves that transition from deep burgundy to lime green with burgundy veining
Prefers full sun or partial to full shade
Trailing growth habit with a compact form

4. Chocolate Mint

Rich purple-brown centers with lime green stippling at the margins
Suited to partial and deep shade
Compact form, 12-16 inches tall and wide

5. Copperhead

Rust-red foliage with a serrated lime green margin
Cultivate in full sun or partial to deep shade
Mature dimensions: 14-26 inches tall and 14-16 inches wide

6. Coral Candy

Narrow, deeply serrated leaves with coral centers shading to green
Can grow in partial shade or full sun with adequate moisture
Mature heights: 10-16 inches, spread: 12-14 inches

7. Coral Sunrise

Light pastel coral centers transitioning to irregular green scalloped margins
Prefers partial to deep shade
Mature dimensions: 12-14 inches tall and 10-12 inches wide

Keep reading as we delve into more captivating coleus varieties that will add a touch of flair to your garden.

8. Dipt in Wine

Bright burgundy-red leaves with pinkish veins and gold accents
Grow in full sun or partial to full shade
Mature dimensions: 12-18 inches tall and 15-18 inches wide

9. Electric Lime

Lime green scalloped leaves with chartreuse veins
Requires full sun or partial to deep shade
Sturdy growth, 14-28 inches tall and 16-24 inches wide

10. Fire and Spice

Two-tone leaves in chartreuse and burgundy
Ideal for full sun or partial to full shade
Moderate dimensions, 16-18 inches tall and 15-17 inches wide

11-21. Rainbows of Color: More Exciting Coleus Varieties

Explore more stunning coleus varieties that will elevate the beauty of your garden and captivate your senses:

11. Fishnet Stocking

Voluptuous lime green leaves veined in burgundy
Grow in full sun or partial to deep shade
Uniform dimensions, 12-18 inches tall and wide

12. Golden

Sunny light green to yellow hues with finely serrated edges
Suits partial to deep shade
Modest size, 12-14 inches tall and 10-12 inches wide

13. Inferno

Warm orange foliage with magenta and gold accents
Thrives in full sun or partial to deep shade
Considerable dimensions, 14-28 inches tall and 12-24 inches wide

14. Jade

Creamy centers and spring green margins resembling Hosta leaves
Prefers partial to deep shade
Modest size, 12-14 inches tall and 10-12 inches wide

15. Kingswood Torch

Rich burgundy and magenta leaves with orange highlights
Needs full sun or partial to deep shade
Mature heights: 12-18 inches, spread: 15-20 inches

16. Rainbow Mix

Potpourri of leaf patterns in shades of burgundy, pink, cream, and green
Eclectic addition to shade gardens
Dimensions: 15-20 inches tall and 10-14 inches wide

17. Redhead

Bright rosy red leaves with fine margin serration
Prefers full sun to partial shade
Striking dimensions, 18-48 inches tall and 24-30 inches wide

18. Sky Fire

Deep burgundy and bright red centers with lime green margins
Flourishes in full sun and partial to deep shade
Compact size, 12-18 inches tall and 15-18 inches wide

19. Splish Splash

Burgundy leaves with playful gold splotches
Grows well in various light conditions
Tall and wide, 18-30 inches tall and 12-20 inches wide

20. Wasabi

Bold chartreuse lobed leaves for a pop of color
Thrives in full sun, partial, or deep shade
Spacious mature dimensions, 18-36 inches tall and 16-28 inches wide

21. Watermelon

Festive watermelon pink centers with magenta veining and lime green margins
Prefers partial to full shade
Impressive height of 24 inches and 20 inches wide

Creating a Colorful Haven with Coleus

Whether you grow coleus as a perennial or an annual, this versatile plant is sure to bring excitement to your shade garden. With 21 vibrant choices at your fingertips, you can transform dull corners of your garden into captivating focal points that will impress your visitors.

Do you have a favorite coleus variety that you grow in your garden? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! And if you enjoyed learning about coleus, be sure to check out our recommendations for other colorful, shade-loving plants with striking foliage, such as caladiums and coral bells.

In conclusion, coleus is an excellent addition to any garden, offering a wide range of colors, textures, and sizes to suit your gardening needs. With 21 stunning varieties to choose from, you can create a vibrant and captivating outdoor oasis that will impress everyone who sees it. So roll up your sleeves, grab your gardening tools, and get ready to transform your garden into a colorful haven with these beautiful coleus varieties!