{"product_id":"coleus","title":"Coleus - Coleus scutellarioides","description":"\u003ch2\u003ePlant Overview\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eColeus (Coleus scutellarioides, also known as Plectranthus scutellarioides) is grown not for flowers but for its riotously colourful, patterned foliage that ranges from deep burgundy and lime green to speckled pink and cream. Grown in a healthy 4-inch nursery pot, this fast, easy-care plant is a favourite for adding instant colour to both indoor spaces and outdoor containers around Vancouver homes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eFeature Highlights\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLive Plant\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHealthy Nursery Grown\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4-Inch Pot\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEasy Care\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIndoor Plant\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBotanical Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eColeus belongs to the Lamiaceae, or mint, family and is native to Southeast Asia. The plant has gone through several botanical reclassifications, having previously been known as Solenostemon scutellarioides and Plectranthus scutellarioides before settling into its current classification as Coleus scutellarioides, though all of these names still appear in the horticulture trade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy You'll Love This Plant\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eColeus offers some of the most dramatic foliage colour and pattern variety of any easy-care plant, with countless cultivars available in shades and combinations that rival flowering plants for visual impact. It's fast-growing, quick to fill out a pot, and simple to propagate, making it ideal for both new and experienced plant growers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBotanical Name\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eColeus scutellarioides (syn. Plectranthus scutellarioides)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCommon Names\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eColeus, Painted Nettle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFamily\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLamiaceae\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eOrigin\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSoutheast Asia\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePlant Type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTender tropical perennial (grown as annual outdoors in Canada)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePot Size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4-inch nursery pot\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrowth Habit\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBushy, mounding\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFast\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMature Height\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e30-60 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMature Width\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e30-60 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eLeaf Colour\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMulti-toned green, red, burgundy, pink, cream\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFlower Colour\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBlue-purple (typically pinched off)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBloom Season\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLate summer (if allowed to flower)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eEvergreen \/ Deciduous\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEvergreen (tender)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eIndoor\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eOutdoor\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes, seasonal (Zones 10-11 for perennial growth)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eUSDA Zones\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10-11 (grown as annual elsewhere)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePet Safe\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNo\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eToxicity\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eToxic to cats and dogs if ingested\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDifficulty Level\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBeginner\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWater Needs\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate, keep consistently moist\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eLight Needs\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBright indirect light indoors; morning sun outdoors\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHumidity\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAverage to above average\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTemperature\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e16-27°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSoil\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRich, well-draining potting mix\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFertilizer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBalanced liquid, every 2-4 weeks in season\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePropagation\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStem cuttings in water\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eExpected Lifespan\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1-3 years typical; often refreshed via cuttings\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlant Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoft, textured leaves grow in a bushy, mounding habit, often featuring bold combinations of green, red, burgundy, pink, orange, or cream in patterns that vary widely between cultivars. Small, insignificant blue or purple flower spikes can appear but are usually pinched off to keep the plant's energy focused on foliage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLight Requirements\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBright indirect light produces the best foliage colour indoors, while outdoor plants tolerate morning sun with afternoon shade in warmer weather. Direct, intense afternoon sun can scorch the leaves, especially on more delicate cultivars.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWater Requirements\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep soil consistently moist, watering as soon as the top inch begins to feel dry. Coleus wilts dramatically when thirsty but typically bounces back quickly once watered, similar to other soft-stemmed tropicals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHumidity\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAverage to above-average humidity suits Coleus well. In very dry indoor air, leaf edges may become slightly crispy, so a humidifier or regular misting can help during winter months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTemperature\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep this plant in warm conditions between 16 and 27 degrees Celsius. Coleus is sensitive to cold and should be kept well away from drafts, and it has no frost tolerance outdoors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSoil\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA rich, well-draining potting mix supports Coleus's fast growth rate, with organic matter helping to retain enough moisture between waterings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFertilizer\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed every two to four weeks with a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season to fuel vigorous, colourful new growth, tapering off in fall and winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRepotting\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRepot as needed when roots fill the current pot, which can happen fairly quickly given this plant's fast growth rate, typically every year for actively growing specimens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePruning\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePinch growing tips regularly to encourage a fuller, bushier shape, and remove flower spikes as they appear to keep the plant's energy directed toward foliage production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePropagation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eColeus is one of the easiest plants to propagate, rooting readily from stem cuttings placed in water within a week or two, making it simple to share or multiply your collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a fast-growing plant, capable of filling out a pot within a single growing season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMature Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDepending on the cultivar and pinching frequency, Coleus typically reaches 30 to 60 centimetres in height and spread as a container plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eIndoor Care\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eColeus can be grown indoors year-round in a bright spot, though it tends to produce its most vivid colour with a period outdoors during the warmer months, weather permitting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eOutdoor Care\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the Vancouver area, Coleus thrives outdoors as a container or bedding plant from late spring through early fall, in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade. It must be brought indoors or treated as an annual once temperatures drop in fall, as it has no frost tolerance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFlowering Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eColeus produces small spikes of blue or purple flowers, typically in late summer, though most growers pinch these off since they are not the plant's main ornamental feature and flowering can reduce foliage vigour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFragrance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a member of the mint family, Coleus foliage can release a mild, herbaceous scent when the leaves are bruised or crushed, though it is not grown or marketed as a fragrant plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePet Safety\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eColeus is considered toxic to cats and dogs; the essential oils in its foliage can cause mouth and stomach irritation, vomiting, or diarrhea if chewed or ingested. Keep this plant out of reach of curious pets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Problems\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFaded or washed-out colour usually indicates too much direct sun, while leggy, sparse growth points to insufficient light or infrequent pinching. Wilting is a common but usually reversible sign of underwatering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePest Management\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAphids, mealybugs, and whiteflies can occasionally appear, especially on soft new growth. Inspect regularly and treat promptly with insecticidal soap to prevent a larger infestation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eStyling Ideas\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eColeus's bold colour combinations make it a natural choice for mixed container plantings, adding foliage contrast alongside flowering annuals, or as a standalone statement plant on a bright windowsill.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePerfect For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eColour lovers, mixed planters, and anyone browsing our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/indoor-plants\"\u003eindoor plants\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/beginner-plants\"\u003ebeginner-friendly plants\u003c\/a\u003e collections for fast, rewarding growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSeasonal Care\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrowth is fastest in spring and summer, when regular watering, feeding, and pinching keep the plant full and colourful. In fall and winter, growth slows considerably, and watering and feeding should be reduced accordingly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy is my Coleus losing its colour?\u003c\/strong\u003e Too much direct sun can wash out the vivid pigmentation in the leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Coleus toxic to pets?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes, it is considered toxic to cats and dogs and should be kept out of reach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan Coleus grow indoors year-round?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes, in a bright spot, though it often colours up best with some time outdoors in summer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow do I keep Coleus bushy?\u003c\/strong\u003e Pinch growing tips regularly and remove flower spikes as they appear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow do I propagate Coleus?\u003c\/strong\u003e Stem cuttings root quickly and easily in water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy is my Coleus wilting?\u003c\/strong\u003e This is usually a sign of underwatering and typically resolves after a thorough watering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan Coleus survive outdoors in winter in BC?\u003c\/strong\u003e No, it has no frost tolerance and is typically grown as a summer annual outdoors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow big does Coleus get?\u003c\/strong\u003e Usually 30 to 60 centimetres in height and spread as a container plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes Coleus need a lot of light?\u003c\/strong\u003e It prefers bright indirect light indoors, or morning sun with afternoon shade outdoors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat pests affect Coleus?\u003c\/strong\u003e Aphids, mealybugs, and whiteflies are the most common.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy From Us\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach Coleus plant we sell is nursery-grown and inspected for healthy colour and strong roots before it ships. Our Vancouver-based team is happy to help you choose care tips suited to your specific cultivar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eOrder Yours Today\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBring instant, vivid colour into your home or garden with a Coleus plant, shipped fresh across Canada.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"Product\",\n  \"name\": \"Coleus (Coleus scutellarioides)\",\n  \"image\": [\"{{image_url_1}}\",\"{{image_url_2}}\"],\n  \"description\": \"Coleus is a fast-growing, colourful foliage plant grown in a 4-inch nursery pot, prized for its bold multi-toned leaves.\",\n  \"sku\": \"{{sku}}\",\n  \"brand\": { \"@type\": \"Brand\", \"name\": \"Vancouver Plant Co.\" },\n  \"offers\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Offer\",\n    \"url\": \"{{product_url}}\",\n    \"priceCurrency\": \"CAD\",\n    \"price\": \"{{price}}\",\n    \"availability\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\/InStock\",\n    \"itemCondition\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\/NewCondition\"\n  }\n}\n\u003c\/script\u003e\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [\n    {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Why is my Coleus losing its colour?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Too much direct sun can wash out the vivid pigmentation in the leaves.\"}},\n    {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Is Coleus toxic to pets?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Yes, it is considered toxic to cats and dogs and should be kept out of reach.\"}},\n    {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How do I propagate Coleus?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Stem cuttings root quickly and easily in water.\"}}\n  ]\n}\n\u003c\/script\u003e\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"BreadcrumbList\",\n  \"itemListElement\": [\n    {\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 1, \"name\": \"Home\", \"item\": \"\/\"},\n    {\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 2, \"name\": \"Indoor Plants\", \"item\": \"\/collections\/indoor-plants\"},\n    {\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 3, \"name\": \"Coleus\", \"item\": \"\/products\/coleus\"}\n  ]\n}\n\u003c\/script\u003e","brand":"Vancouver Plant Co.","offers":[{"title":"4 inch","offer_id":48446328570030,"sku":"VPC-COL-4IN","price":5.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0760\/6481\/7326\/files\/IMG-1574.jpg?v=1785102670","url":"https:\/\/frasergarden.com\/products\/coleus","provider":"fraser garden","version":"1.0","type":"link"}