Coleus plants offer vibrant foliage with diverse colors and patterns for any garden or indoor setting. Purple coleus varieties are particularly striking due to their rich, deep hues and intricate leaf designs, providing a striking visual appeal. These plants are versatile and straightforward to grow, making them a favored option for novice and experienced gardeners.
Popular Purple Coleus Varieties
Purple coleus varieties offer unique shades and leaf characteristics. ‘Black Dragon’ features deeply ruffled leaves in dark maroon to purple, often with a lighter maroon center and dark burgundy edges. ‘Fishnet Stockings’ displays bright lime green leaves intricately veined with deep burgundy-purple, almost black, patterns.
‘ColorBlaze® Newly Noir™’ presents velvety dark purple, almost black, foliage, creating a sophisticated appearance. Another option is ‘Amethyst’, which has saturated purple leaves that are deeply ruffled and velvety, often with a variable magenta blaze in the center. These varieties showcase the diversity within purple coleus.
Growing and Caring for Purple Coleus
Light Needs
Purple coleus thrives in bright, indirect light, though requirements vary by variety. Darker foliage varieties tolerate more direct sun than lighter types. For optimal color, a location receiving morning sun and afternoon shade is recommended. Indoors, a spot with morning sun and bright, filtered afternoon light is ideal.
Watering
Purple coleus needs consistent soil moisture but not waterlogging. Evenly moist conditions are preferred; prolonged dry spells cause browning leaves and stunted growth. Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry. Container plants may need more frequent watering, up to twice daily in hot weather, due to faster drying.
Soil Requirements
Purple coleus prefers rich, consistently moist, well-draining soil. The ideal pH is slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0). Amending garden beds with compost improves soil fertility and drainage. For potted plants, use a high-quality, airy potting mix with good drainage to prevent root rot.
Temperature and Humidity
Purple coleus thrives in warm, humid conditions. Optimal growth occurs between 70°F and 85°F (21°C and 29°C). Coleus are sensitive to cold; temperatures below 50°F (10°C) hinder growth and cause damage, and freezing temperatures are lethal. Indoor plants benefit from 50-70% humidity, maintained by misting or a humidifier.
Fertilizing
Purple coleus is sensitive to over-fertilization, which can diminish their vibrant leaf colors. Additional feeding may not be necessary in rich soil. For container plants, apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Alternatively, incorporate a slow-release fertilizer into the soil at planting time.
Pruning and Pinching
Pruning and pinching encourage bushier growth and maintain plant shape. Pinch growing tips when plants are about 6 inches tall to promote branching and a fuller habit. Remove just above a leaf node; two new shoots will emerge from that point. Removing flower buds redirects energy from seed production to foliage, enhancing leaf color and density.
Propagating Purple Coleus
Purple coleus is easily propagated through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem 4-6 inches long and cut just below a leaf node. Remove lower leaves to prevent rotting if submerged.
Cuttings can be rooted in water or moist potting mix. For water rooting, place the cutting in a glass of water in a bright location away from direct sunlight, changing water every few days. Roots typically develop within 2-3 weeks. Once established, transplant into a pot with well-draining soil.
Troubleshooting Common Purple Coleus Problems
Purple coleus are generally resilient, but issues can arise. Fading leaf color often indicates too much direct sunlight, especially for shade-preferring varieties. Move the plant to filtered light or afternoon shade to help restore its vibrant hues.
Leggy growth (long, sparse stems) results from insufficient light or lack of pinching. Increase light exposure and regularly pinch back tips for a more compact, bushy plant. Common pests include aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs, managed by spraying affected plants with insecticidal soap. Slugs may cause holes; physical removal or barriers can deter them.