Better Homes and Gardens: Coleus Care Tips

Discover the vibrant world of coleus, a beloved plant that's taken the gardening scene by storm, thanks to its stunning foliage and ease of care. Better Homes and Gardens has long been a champion of this versatile plant, offering a wealth of information and inspiration to help you incorporate coleus into your indoor and outdoor spaces.

Coleus, botanically known as Plectranthus scutellarioides, is a member of the mint family and native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia. With its colorful, often variegated leaves and low-maintenance nature, it's no wonder that coleus has become a staple in gardens and homes across the globe. Let's delve into the fascinating world of coleus, exploring its varieties, care tips, and creative uses, as inspired by Better Homes and Gardens.

Understanding Coleus Varieties

Coleus comes in a dazzling array of colors and patterns, thanks to selective breeding and natural hybridization. From deep, velvety purples to bright, sunny yellows, and every shade in between, there's a coleus variety to suit every taste and garden theme.

Some popular coleus varieties include 'Kong Jr.' series, known for their compact size and bold foliage; 'Main Street' series, which offers a mix of traditional and unique colors; and 'Sweet Caroline' series, featuring striking, heart-shaped leaves. Better Homes and Gardens has even introduced its own series, like the 'Better Bedder' and 'Better Gold' coleus, known for their exceptional performance and vibrant hues.

Coleus Colors and Patterns

Coleus leaves can exhibit a wide range of colors, including green, red, pink, purple, orange, and yellow. Some varieties may also display intricate patterns, such as stripes, spots, or marbling. These patterns can be solid, broken, or mixed, adding even more visual interest to your garden or indoor space.

When choosing coleus varieties, consider the overall color scheme of your garden or room. Coleus can serve as a stunning accent or a unifying element, depending on how you pair its colors with surrounding plants and decor. Better Homes and Gardens often suggests using coleus to create harmonious color combinations, such as purple and yellow, or pink and green.

Coleus Sizes and Shapes

Coleus plants can vary significantly in size, from compact, 6-inch tall specimens to towering, 3-foot giants. They also come in a variety of leaf shapes, from narrow and pointed to wide and rounded. When selecting coleus for your space, consider the overall effect you want to achieve. Taller, larger-leaved varieties can serve as striking focal points, while smaller, more delicate types can be used as edging or in containers.

Better Homes and Gardens often recommends using coleus in combination with other plants to create lush, layered arrangements. For example, pairing tall, upright coleus with shorter, mounding plants can create a beautiful, textured display. Additionally, consider using coleus in hanging baskets or as a trailing plant in mixed containers, where its colorful foliage can cascade over the sides.

Caring for Coleus Plants

Coleus is known for its low-maintenance nature, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. With the right care, coleus plants can thrive and provide stunning foliage for months on end. Here are some essential care tips, inspired by Better Homes and Gardens:

1. **Light**: Coleus plants prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate partial shade. In indoor settings, place coleus near east- or west-facing windows, or a few feet back from south-facing windows. Outdoors, provide some protection from intense afternoon sun.

2. **Water**: Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings. Coleus is drought-tolerant and can handle occasional neglect, making it an ideal plant for busy gardeners or those prone to forgetting watering schedules. However, consistent watering will help coleus plants grow and flourish.

3. **Soil and Fertilizer**: Coleus plants prefer well-draining potting soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Fertilize coleus every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. This will help maintain vibrant foliage color and promote healthy growth.

4. **Temperature and Humidity**: Coleus plants prefer warm temperatures, ideally between 70°F and 85°F (21°C and 29°C) during the day and a few degrees cooler at night. They can tolerate lower temperatures but may drop leaves or become dormant if exposed to frost. Coleus also appreciates moderate humidity, making it an excellent choice for indoor environments or outdoor gardens in humid climates.

Pruning and Pinching Coleus

Pruning coleus plants is essential for maintaining their compact shape and promoting bushier growth. Better Homes and Gardens recommends pinching back the growing tips of coleus plants every 2 to 3 weeks, just above a set of leaves. This will encourage the plant to branch out and produce more foliage.

To prune coleus, use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to snip off the growing tip, just above a set of leaves. You can also pinch the plant back with your fingers, although this method may not be as clean or precise. Regular pinching will help maintain a neat, well-shaped plant and prevent it from becoming leggy or top-heavy.

Overwintering Coleus

Coleus is a warm-season annual, meaning it typically dies back with the first frost. However, with proper care, you can overwinter coleus plants and enjoy their colorful foliage year-round. To overwinter coleus, bring potted plants indoors before the first frost and place them in a bright, cool location, such as a north- or east-facing window.

Reduce watering during the dormant season, allowing the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings. Withhold fertilizer until spring, when you can resume regular care. With proper overwintering, your coleus plants should resume active growth in the spring, providing you with another season of vibrant foliage.

Creative Uses for Coleus in Your Home and Garden

Coleus plants are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of creative ways to enhance your indoor and outdoor spaces. Better Homes and Gardens has long been a proponent of incorporating coleus into garden designs, container arrangements, and even home decor. Let's explore some inspiring ways to use coleus in your home and garden:

1. **Garden Beds and Borders**: Coleus plants are perfect for adding color and texture to garden beds and borders. Pair them with complementary flowers, such as petunias, impatiens, or calibrachoa, for a stunning display. Better Homes and Gardens often suggests using coleus as a thriller plant in mixed containers, surrounded by filler plants and spillers.

2. **Hanging Baskets and Vertical Gardens**: Coleus' trailing growth habit makes it an excellent choice for hanging baskets and vertical gardens. Place a tall, upright coleus in the center of a hanging basket, surrounded by trailing plants like sweet potato vine or creeping Jenny. Alternatively, use coleus in a vertical garden, allowing its colorful foliage to cascade down the wall or fence.

3. **Indoor Plants**: Coleus plants thrive in indoor environments, making them an ideal choice for adding a pop of color to your home. Place coleus in a bright window, or use it to create a lush, tropical-inspired display with other houseplants. Better Homes and Gardens suggests using coleus in terrariums or glass gardens, where its vibrant foliage can be showcased.

4. **Dried Flowers and Wreaths**: Coleus leaves can be dried and preserved, making them an excellent choice for dried flower arrangements, wreaths, and other home decor projects. Harvest coleus leaves at their peak color, then dry them using a dehydrator, microwave, or air-drying method. Once dried, use the leaves to create stunning, long-lasting arrangements and decor.

5. **Herb Gardens and Edible Landscaping**: While not typically grown for their culinary uses, some coleus varieties are edible and can be used in cooking or as garnishes. Better Homes and Gardens recommends incorporating edible coleus into herb gardens and edible landscapes, where it can provide both visual interest and culinary value.

Incorporating coleus into your home and garden is an excellent way to add vibrant color and texture, whether you're creating a lush, tropical oasis or a cozy, inviting space. With its wide range of colors, patterns, and sizes, coleus offers endless possibilities for creative expression. So go ahead, embrace the coleus craze, and let Better Homes and Gardens be your guide to a more colorful, more vibrant world.