Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides) is a popular ornamental plant cultivated widely for its spectacular, multicolored foliage. This tropical perennial, often grown as an annual, displays vibrant leaves in nearly every color except true blue, making it a staple in garden beds and containers. Although gardeners focus on the leaves, coleus is a flowering species. The decision to allow coleus to bloom relates directly to the plant’s biological priorities and the gardener’s desire for dense, colorful growth.
The Flowering Reality of Coleus
The coleus plant produces flowers as a natural part of its reproductive cycle, despite being prized for its leaves. These blooms typically appear on slender, vertical spikes that rise above the foliage in late summer or early fall. The individual flowers are small, usually less than a half-inch long, and are pale blue, lavender, or white.
Flowering is triggered by maturity, changes in day length, or environmental stress like excessive heat or dry conditions. The flower spikes, known as inflorescences, are not showy compared to the vibrant leaves. While they attract pollinators, the flowers are generally considered insignificant in ornamental value.
The Consequences of Allowing Coleus to Flower
Allowing coleus to flower significantly impacts the plant’s aesthetic quality, which is the primary reason most gardeners cultivate it. When the plant transitions into its reproductive phase, it redirects energy away from vegetative growth. This shift focuses resources on developing flowers and seeds instead of producing new, large, and colorful leaves.
This redirection results in a decline in foliage quality and density. Leaves may become smaller and less vibrant, causing the plant to develop a “leggy” or sparse appearance. If flowers are allowed to go to seed, the plant’s life cycle accelerates, often leading to its decline or death when grown as an annual.
How to Manage Flower Spikes
To maintain a dense, bushy form and preserve leaf color, gardeners should proactively remove flower spikes as soon as they emerge. This technique is often called “pinching” or “deadheading,” and it forces the plant to redirect energy back into producing more lateral branches and foliage. This maintenance helps extend the period of lush, colorful growth throughout the season.
The proper technique involves cutting or pinching the stem back to the first set of leaves or a leaf node just below the developing flower spike. A leaf node is the small bump on the stem where a pair of leaves or a side branch is emerging. Removing the stem above this node signals the plant to activate the dormant growth buds, resulting in two new branches that grow outward. Repeatedly pinching off these terminal growth points encourages a dense, compact, and highly branched plant structure with maximum leaf production.