Coleus ‘Bourbon Street’ adds vibrant color and texture to any garden or indoor space. Its striking foliage provides continuous visual interest, making it an excellent ornamental choice.
Distinctive Features of Coleus ‘Bourbon Street’
Coleus ‘Bourbon Street’ stands out with unique leaf coloration and form. Its leaves are predominantly dark burgundy with a distinct lime green edge, accentuating their deeply scalloped and pointed shape. It typically exhibits a compact, upright growth habit, reaching 16 to 24 inches tall. Robust branching contributes to a full, bushy appearance, making it desirable for various garden designs.
Essential Care Requirements
Light
Coleus ‘Bourbon Street’ thrives in part sun or high shade, which helps maintain its vibrant leaf coloration. Four to six hours of daily sunlight is optimal for the best foliage display. Shield ‘Bourbon Street’ from intense, direct afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorching and color fading.
Watering
Coleus ‘Bourbon Street’ prefers consistently moist soil without becoming waterlogged. Water when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch, preventing it from completely drying out. Container plants or newly established outdoor plants may need daily watering, while established in-ground plants might require watering every two to three days, depending on environmental conditions. Proper drainage is important to prevent root rot.
Soil
A high-quality, well-draining potting mix or garden soil rich in organic matter is ideal for Coleus ‘Bourbon Street’. Loamy soil promotes healthy root development. Ensuring good drainage is important to prevent water accumulation around the roots, which can cause root rot. The plant prefers a soil pH between 6 and 7.
Temperature and Humidity
As a tropical plant, Coleus ‘Bourbon Street’ thrives in warm conditions. Avoid planting outdoors until nighttime temperatures consistently remain above 60°F (15.5°C). Optimal temperatures are 70°F to 100°F (20°C to 38°C). It is a tender perennial that will not survive frost and benefits from high humidity, especially indoors.
Fertilizing
During spring and summer, Coleus ‘Bourbon Street’ benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) applied monthly at half-strength is effective. Alternatively, a timed-release fertilizer can be incorporated into the soil at planting. Always water thoroughly before fertilizing to prevent nutrient burn. Excessive fertilization can diminish leaf color vibrancy.
Pruning for Optimal Growth and Appearance
Regular pruning encourages a fuller, bushier Coleus ‘Bourbon Street’ and prevents legginess. Pinch back stem tips above a leaf node to stimulate new shoots and denser foliage. Remove developing flower buds or spikes to redirect energy to foliage, prolonging the plant’s vibrant display. Begin pruning once the plant reaches about 6 inches, continuing throughout spring and summer.
Propagating Coleus ‘Bourbon Street’
Coleus ‘Bourbon Street’ is commonly propagated through stem cuttings. Select a healthy, non-flowering stem 4 to 6 inches long. Remove lower leaves from the portion that will be submerged or planted. Place cuttings in a glass of water in bright, indirect light, or directly into a well-draining potting mix.
Roots typically develop within three to four weeks in water; change water daily to prevent bacterial growth. Once roots are 1 to 2 inches long, pot the cuttings. Commercial propagation of ‘Bourbon Street’ may be prohibited due to patent restrictions.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Common issues when growing Coleus ‘Bourbon Street’ are often easily resolved. Wilting leaves often indicate insufficient or excessive watering; check soil moisture. Fading or discolored foliage can result from too much direct sunlight or lack of nutrients.
Stunted growth may signal compacted or nutrient-poor soil, or overly cold temperatures. Pests like mealybugs, whiteflies, aphids, or spider mites can cause leaf damage or reduced vigor. Proper care and prompt action maintain a healthy, vibrant plant.