Annuals – Coleus

Botanical name: coleus scutellariodes

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: about 2 ft

Hardy zone: zones 9 and above

Foliage color: green, white, red, gold, orange, purple, brown

Growth rate: could potentially grow 2 inches a week, reaching maturity in 2 – 3 weeks

Pruning instructions: trim as needed throughout growing season

Propagation methods: cut a stem just below a node and place in water until roots start to emerge

Landscape use: typically used as a filler element in containers

Light needs: about 4 – 5 hours of sunlight a day

Special features: high medical and soothing effects

Watering instructions: water when the top inch of soil is dry

Fertilizing instructions : use 10-10-10 in the early spring

Best time to plant: spring

Best type of soil: loam, sand

Companion plants: lantana, impatiens, cordyline

Toxicity level: mildly toxic if ingested

Invasive species: no