
If you're looking for a plant that's both versatile and colorful, look no further than coleus. This beautiful plant is known for its striking foliage, which comes in a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures.
From bold and dramatic to soft and subtle, there is a coleus variety to suit every garden and landscape. In this article, we'll explore 38 different coleus varieties, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits.
Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a novice, you'll find plenty of inspiration and information here to help you choose the perfect coleus for your garden.
38 Types of Coleus
1. Coleus Wizard Mix

The Wizard Mix coleus is a popular variety that produces leaves in shades of red, pink, green, and yellow. The foliage has a slightly ruffled texture and looks great when grown in a container garden or as a centerpiece in a garden bed. This variety prefers partial shade and moist soil.
The Wizard Mix coleus is known for its bright and bold colors that can add a splash of color to any garden. The foliage is also very easy to grow and maintain, making it a great choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
2. Coleus Pineapple Beauty
The Pineapple Beauty coleus is a striking variety that produces bright yellow-green leaves with a bold red center. The foliage has a slightly ruffled texture and looks great when grown in a container garden or as a centerpiece in a garden bed. This variety prefers partial shade and moist soil.
The Pineapple Beauty coleus is named for its pineapple-like appearance and is a favorite among gardeners who love bright and bold colors. This variety is also very easy to grow and maintain, making it a great choice for beginners.
3. Coleus Black Dragon

The Black Dragon coleus is a stunning variety that produces dark purple-black leaves with a slightly ruffled texture. The foliage has a velvety appearance and looks great when paired with other brightly colored plants. This variety prefers partial shade and moist soil.
The Black Dragon coleus is known for its striking and dramatic appearance. The deep, rich color of the foliage adds a touch of elegance to any garden. This variety is also very easy to grow and maintain, making it a great choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
4. Coleus Rainbow Mix
The Rainbow Mix coleus is a beautiful variety that produces leaves in shades of pink, red, green, and yellow. The foliage has a delicate texture and looks great when grown in a hanging basket or container garden. This variety prefers partial shade and moist soil.
The Rainbow Mix coleus is known for its vibrant and cheerful colors. The foliage adds a touch of joy to any garden and is a favorite among gardeners who love to experiment with color. This variety is also very easy to grow and maintain, making it a great choice for beginners.
5.Coleus Henna

The Henna coleus is a unique variety that produces leaves in shades of maroon, green, and cream. The foliage has a delicate texture and looks great when paired with other foliage plants. This variety prefers partial shade and moist soil.
The Henna coleus is named for its resemblance to the intricate patterns found in henna tattoos. The foliage adds a touch of elegance to any garden and is a favorite among gardeners who love to experiment with texture and color. This variety is also very easy to grow and maintain, making it a great choice for beginners.
6. Coleus Watermelon

The Watermelon coleus is a beautiful variety that produces leaves in shades of green, pink, and red. The foliage has a slightly ruffled texture and looks great when grown in a garden bed or container garden. This variety prefers partial shade and moist soil.
The Watermelon coleus is named for its resemblance to the colors found in a watermelon. The foliage adds a touch of whimsy to any garden and is a favorite among gardeners who love bright and cheerful colors. This variety is also very easy to grow and maintain, making it a great choice for beginners.
7. Coleus Velvet Red

The Velvet Red coleus is a stunning variety that produces deep red leaves with a slightly ruffled texture. The foliage has a velvety appearance and looks great when paired with other brightly colored plants. This variety prefers partial shade and moist soil.
The Velvet Red coleus is known for its rich and luxurious color. The deep, vibrant red adds a touch of elegance to any garden and is a favorite among gardeners who love bold and dramatic colors. This variety is also very easy to grow and maintain, making it a great choice for beginners.
8. Coleus Burgundy Wedding Train

The Burgundy Wedding Train coleus is a unique variety that produces trailing stems with leaves in shades of burgundy and green. The foliage has a delicate texture and looks great when grown in a hanging basket or container garden. This variety prefers partial shade and moist soil.
The Burgundy Wedding Train coleus is named for its trailing habit and beautiful color. The foliage adds a touch of elegance to any garden and is a favorite among gardeners who love to experiment with texture and form. This variety is also very easy to grow and maintain, making it a great choice for beginners.
9. Coleus Wild Lime

The Wild Lime coleus is a beautiful variety that produces leaves in shades of lime green and yellow. The foliage has a slightly ruffled texture and looks great when paired with other brightly colored plants. This variety prefers partial shade and moist soil.
The Wild Lime coleus is named for its bright and cheerful color. The foliage adds a touch of whimsy to any garden and is a favorite among gardeners who love to experiment with color. This variety is also very easy to grow and maintain, making it a great choice for beginners.
10. Coleus Electric Lime

The Electric Lime coleus is a stunning variety that produces bright lime green leaves with a slightly ruffled texture.
The foliage has a velvety appearance and looks great when paired with other brightly colored plants. This variety prefers partial shade and moist soil.
The Electric Lime coleus is known for its vibrant and eye-catching color.
The bright lime green adds a touch of excitement to any garden and is a favorite among gardeners who love bold and dramatic colors. This variety is also very easy to grow and maintain, making it a great choice for beginners.
11. Coleus Big Red Judy

Big Red Judy is a striking variety of coleus that features large, vibrant leaves in shades of deep red and maroon. It is a relatively new cultivar that was developed specifically for its large and showy foliage. Big Red Judy prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-draining soil.
This variety grows up to 36 inches tall and is perfect for adding height and drama to your garden beds or containers. One of the unique features of Big Red Judy is that it can withstand hot and humid conditions better than most coleus varieties.
This makes it a great choice for gardeners in warmer climates who want a bold and colorful plant that can thrive in the heat. Big Red Judy is also resistant to pests and disease, making it a low-maintenance choice for any garden.
12. Coleus Main Street Wall Street

Main Street Wall Street is a series of coleus cultivars that come in a range of colors, including pink, purple, green, and red. These plants are known for their compact and bushy growth habit, making them perfect for containers and small gardens.
Main Street Wall Street prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. One of the benefits of the Main Street Wall Street series is that the plants are more uniform in size and shape than other coleus varieties.
This makes them ideal for creating a cohesive and balanced look in your garden beds or containers. Additionally, Main Street Wall Street is easy to grow and maintain, making it a great choice for beginners.
13. Coleus Black Magic

Black Magic is a stunning coleus variety that features dark, almost black foliage with a glossy sheen. The leaves are large and have a slightly ruffled texture, adding depth and interest to your garden.
Black Magic prefers partial shade and well-draining soil.
One of the benefits of Black Magic is that the foliage can actually change color depending on the amount of sunlight it receives.
In full sun, the leaves will appear darker, while in shade they may take on a more purple or burgundy hue. Black Magic is also known for being easy to grow and maintain, making it a great choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
14. Coleus Kong Jr

Kong Jr is a unique coleus variety that produces large leaves with a textured surface and a vibrant green color. The foliage has a slightly ruffled appearance, adding dimension and depth to your garden beds or containers.
Kong Jr prefers partial shade and well-draining soil. One of the benefits of Kong Jr is that it grows quickly and vigorously, allowing you to enjoy its stunning foliage in no time.
The plant can reach up to 24 inches tall and wide, making it perfect for filling in empty spaces in your garden. Kong Jr is also relatively easy to grow and maintain, making it a great choice for beginners.
15. Coleus Rustic Orange

Rustic Orange is a beautiful coleus variety that produces leaves in shades of orange and red with a slightly crinkled texture. The foliage is eye-catching and unique, adding a pop of color to your garden beds or containers.
Rustic Orange prefers partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. One of the benefits of Rustic Orange is that it is more heat tolerant than many other coleus varieties.
This makes it a great choice for gardeners in warmer climates who want a plant that can withstand hot and humid conditions. Rustic Orange is also relatively easy to grow and maintain, making it a great choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
16. Coleus Pineapple Splash
Pineapple Splash is a vibrant coleus variety that produces leaves in shades of green, yellow, and pink with a slightly ruffled texture.
The foliage has a tropical feel and looks great when paired with other brightly colored plants. Pineapple Splash prefers partial shade and moist soil. One of the benefits of Pineapple Splash is that it is a relatively compact plant, growing to a maximum height of 18 inches.
This makes it perfect for containers and small gardens where space is limited. Additionally, Pineapple Splash is easy to grow and maintain, making it a great choice for beginners.
17. Coleus Indian Summer
Indian Summer is a bold and vibrant coleus variety that produces leaves in shades of red, orange, and yellow with a slightly ruffled texture.
The foliage is eye-catching and looks great when paired with other brightly colored plants. Indian Summer prefers partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. One of the benefits of Indian Summer is that it is more sun tolerant than many other coleus varieties.
This makes it a great choice for gardeners who want a plant that can thrive in full sun or partial shade. Indian Summer is also relatively easy to grow and maintain, making it a great choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
18. Coleus Redhead
Redhead is a stunning coleus variety that produces leaves in shades of red, pink, and green with a slightly ruffled texture.
The foliage is eye-catching and looks great when paired with other brightly colored plants. Redhead prefers partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. One of the benefits of Redhead is that it is a relatively compact plant, growing to a maximum height of 18 inches.
This makes it perfect for containers and small gardens where space is limited. Additionally, Redhead is easy to grow and maintain, making it a great choice for beginners.
19. Coleus Chocolate Mint

Chocolate Mint is a unique coleus variety that produces leaves in shades of dark purple and green with a slightly ruffled texture. The foliage has a distinct chocolatey aroma and looks great when paired with other plants with similar colors.
Chocolate Mint prefers partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. One of the benefits of Chocolate Mint is that it is a relatively compact plant, growing to a maximum height of 18 inches.
This makes it perfect for containers and small gardens where space is limited. Additionally, Chocolate Mint is easy to grow and maintain, making it a great choice for beginners.
20. Coleus Lime Time
Lime Time is a bright and cheery coleus variety that produces leaves in shades of lime green with a slightly ruffled texture. The foliage is eye-catching and looks great when paired with other brightly colored plants.
Lime Time prefers partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. One of the benefits of Lime Time is that it is a relatively compact plant, growing to a maximum height of 18 inches.
This makes it perfect for containers and small gardens where space is limited. Additionally, Lime Time is easy to grow and maintain, making it a great choice for beginners.
21. Coleus Dark Star
Dark Star is a popular coleus variety known for its striking foliage. Its leaves are a deep burgundy color with bright green edges, creating a dramatic contrast. This plant can grow up to 3 feet tall, making it an excellent choice for a statement plant or a border plant.
Dark Star prefers partial shade but can also thrive in full sun if given enough water. It's a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of temperatures, making it a great option for gardeners in varying climates.
Dark Star is also easy to care for, and regular watering and pruning can keep it healthy and vibrant throughout the growing season.
22. Coleus Pineapple Express
Pineapple Express is a unique and eye-catching coleus variety that gets its name from its bright yellow and green foliage, which resembles the skin of a pineapple.
This plant is perfect for adding a tropical vibe to your garden or for brightening up a shaded area. Pineapple Express is a compact plant that grows up to 12 inches tall and does well in containers or as a border plant.
It prefers partial shade but can also tolerate full sun if given enough water. Pineapple Express is a hardy plant that is easy to care for, and regular watering and fertilization can help it thrive throughout the growing season.
23. Coleus Neon Rose

Neon Rose is a show-stopping coleus variety with bright pink and green foliage that commands attention. This compact plant grows up to 12 inches tall and is perfect for containers or as a border plant. Neon Rose prefers partial shade but can also tolerate full sun if given enough water.
This variety is easy to care for and doesn't require much maintenance, making it a great option for beginner gardeners. Regular pruning can help keep it healthy and vibrant throughout the growing season.
24. Coleus Kong
Coleus Kong is a popular variety known for its large and sturdy leaves, which can grow up to 12 inches long. Kong comes in a variety of colors, including green, burgundy, and pink. With its impressive size and bold foliage, Kong makes a statement in any garden.
This variety prefers partial shade but can also tolerate full sun if given enough water. Coleus Kong is a hardy plant that is easy to care for, and regular pruning and fertilization can keep it healthy and vibrant throughout the growing season.
25. Coleus Wizard Coral Sunrise
Wizard Coral Sunrise is a beautiful coleus variety with vibrant coral-colored leaves and green edges and veins. This plant grows up to 12 inches tall and is perfect for adding a pop of color to a garden bed or container.
Wizard Coral Sunrise prefers partial shade but can also tolerate full sun if given enough water. It's a hardy plant that is easy to care for, and regular watering and fertilization can help it thrive throughout the growing season.
This variety also does well in shaded areas, making it a versatile option for any garden. With its stunning foliage and easy-to-care-for nature, Wizard Coral Sunrise is an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners alike.
26. Coleus Lime Delight

Lime Delight is a stunning coleus variety that features bright lime green leaves with deep burgundy veins. This plant has a bushy growth habit and can grow up to 18 inches tall.
Lime Delight prefers partial shade but can also tolerate full sun if it is provided with enough water. This coleus variety is a popular choice for containers and borders due to its vibrant color and compact growth habit.
It is easy to care for and does not require a lot of maintenance. Lime Delight is also great for adding contrast to mixed plantings and adding texture to shady areas of your garden. Overall, this variety is a fantastic addition to any garden and will provide year-round interest and color.
27. Coleus Chocolate Covered Cherry
Chocolate Covered Cherry is a stunning coleus variety with deep burgundy foliage and bright pink veins. This plant grows up to 18 inches tall and prefers partial shade but can also tolerate full sun if given enough water.
This coleus variety is a great choice for adding drama and color to containers, borders, and mixed plantings. It has a compact growth habit and is easy to care for. The deep burgundy leaves of Chocolate Covered Cherry are eye-catching and the bright pink veins add a pop of color to any garden.
This coleus variety is also great for adding interest to shady areas of your garden. It can be used as a ground cover or as a focal point in a mixed planting. Chocolate Covered Cherry is sure to turn heads and bring color to your garden all season long.
28. Coleus Ruby Slipper
Ruby Slipper is a bold and beautiful coleus variety with deep burgundy foliage and bright red veins. This plant grows up to 18 inches tall and prefers partial shade but can also tolerate full sun if given enough water.
This coleus variety is an eye-catching choice for mixed plantings and borders. Its striking color and pattern make it a standout in any garden. The deep burgundy leaves of Ruby Slipper are highlighted by the bright red veins, adding contrast and interest to your garden.
Ruby Slipper is a low-maintenance plant that does not require a lot of attention.
It is easy to care for and can be grown in containers or directly in the ground. This coleus variety is a great choice for adding drama and color to any garden, and is sure to be a conversation starter among gardening enthusiasts.
29. Coleus Fairway Mix

Fairway Mix is a unique coleus variety that features a mix of bright green, yellow, and red leaves. This plant grows up to 18 inches tall and prefers partial shade but can also tolerate full sun if provided with enough water.
This coleus variety is a great choice for adding interest and color to mixed plantings and borders. Its bright colors and unique foliage make it a standout in any garden. Fairway Mix is easy to care for and does not require a lot of attention. It can be grown in containers or directly in the ground.
This variety is also great for attracting pollinators to your garden. The colorful foliage of Fairway Mix is sure to attract butterflies and bees, adding life and movement to your garden. Overall, Fairway Mix is a fantastic addition to any garden and will provide year-round interest and color.
30. Coleus Solar Shadow
Solar Shadow is a stunning coleus variety with deep burgundy leaves and bright green edges. This plant grows up to 24 inches tall and prefers partial shade but can also tolerate full sun if given enough water.
This coleus variety is a great choice for adding height and drama to mixed plantings and borders. Its tall growth habit and striking color make it a standout in any garden. Solar Shadow is easy to care for and does not require a lot of attention. It can be grown in containers or directly in the ground.
This variety is also great for adding contrast to shady areas of your garden. The deep burgundy leaves of Solar Shadow will add depth and interest to your garden, while the bright green edges will add a pop of color. Overall, Solar Shadow is a fantastic addition to any garden and will provide year-round interest and color.
31. Coleus Alabama Sunset

Alabama Sunset is a beautiful coleus variety with bright orange and yellow leaves. This plant grows up to 18 inches tall and prefers partial shade but can also tolerate full sun if given enough water.
This coleus variety is a great choice for adding warmth and color to mixed plantings and borders. Its bright colors and unique foliage make it a standout in any garden. Alabama Sunset is easy to care for and does not require a lot of attention. It can be grown in containers or directly in the ground.
This variety is also great for attracting pollinators to your garden. The colorful foliage of Alabama Sunset is sure to attract butterflies and bees, adding life and movement to your garden. Overall, Alabama Sunset is a fantastic addition to any garden and will provide year-round interest and color.
32. Coleus Black Cherry

Black Cherry is a striking coleus variety with deep burgundy leaves and bright pink veins. This plant grows up to 18 inches tall and prefers partial shade but can also tolerate full sun if given enough water.
This coleus variety is a great choice for adding drama and color to mixed plantings and borders. Its bold colors and unique foliage make it a standout in any garden. Black Cherry is easy to care for and does not require a lot of attention. It can be grown in containers or directly in the ground.
This variety is also great for adding contrast to shady areas of your garden. The deep burgundy leaves of Black Cherry will add depth and interest to your garden, while the bright pink veins will add a pop of color. Overall, Black Cherry is a fantastic addition to any garden and will provide year-round interest and color.
33. Coleus Wildfire
The Wildfire coleus is a stunning variety that is sure to make a statement in any garden or patio. Its bright red and orange leaves with jagged edges give it a fiery appearance, making it perfect for adding a pop of color to your space.
This variety can grow up to 18 inches tall and spread up to 12 inches wide, making it perfect for use as a ground cover or in containers. Wildfire coleus thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires regular watering to keep the soil moist.
It's important to note that while this variety can handle some sun, it's best to protect it from the harsh afternoon sun to prevent scorching. This plant can be susceptible to mildew, so make sure to keep the leaves dry and provide adequate airflow.
34. Coleus Dipt in Wine
Dipt in Wine coleus is a beautiful and unique variety that is sure to add an element of elegance to your garden or patio.
Its dark, almost burgundy leaves that are outlined in green give it a sophisticated look. This variety can grow up to 2 feet tall and prefers partial shade to full sun.
Dipt in Wine coleus requires moist soil and should be watered regularly. It's important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. This plant can also be susceptible to pests such as spider mites and whiteflies, so keep an eye out for any signs of infestation.
35. Coleus Campfire

The Campfire coleus is a stunning variety that showcases bright red and orange leaves with a unique leaf shape that almost resembles a feather.
This variety can grow up to 2 feet tall and prefers full sun to partial shade. Campfire coleus requires regular watering to keep the soil moist, but it's important to avoid overwatering.
This plant can also benefit from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth. It's important to note that this variety can be prone to aphids, so keep an eye out for any signs of infestation.
36. Coleus Pesto Perpetuo

Pesto Perpetuo coleus is a unique variety that showcases green and white variegated leaves with a slightly ruffled texture. This variety can grow up to 2 feet tall and prefers partial shade to full sun.
Pesto Perpetuo coleus requires regular watering to keep the soil moist, but it's important to avoid overwatering. This plant can benefit from regular pinching to encourage bushier growth and prevent legginess. This variety is also known for its culinary use, as its leaves have a mild basil flavor and can be used in pesto or as a garnish.
37. Coleus Chocolate Splash

Chocolate Splash, also known as Chocolate Mint, is a variety of coleus that has a distinctive aroma of chocolate and mint. The leaves have a green base color with dark brown or black markings that resemble chocolate splatters.
It is a compact plant that grows up to 12 inches tall and 10 inches wide, making it an excellent choice for containers or small gardens. This variety thrives in partial shade and prefers well-draining soil.
It is a low-maintenance plant that requires occasional watering and moderate fertilization during the growing season. Chocolate Splash is an excellent addition to herb gardens, where its chocolate-mint scent can complement other herbs.
38. Coleus Kong Mosaic
Kong Mosaic is a stunning variety of coleus that boasts large leaves with bold patterns of green, yellow, red, and purple. This plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and wide, making it a perfect choice for filling large spaces in the garden.
It prefers partial to full shade and well-draining soil with moderate moisture. Kong Mosaic is a fast-growing plant that can be trimmed to maintain its shape and size. It is also an excellent choice for containers or mixed planters.
Kong Mosaic is a hardy plant that can withstand some neglect, making it an excellent choice for novice gardeners. It also attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, adding to the garden's beauty.
Summary
coleus is a versatile and easy-to-grow plant that can add a pop of color and interest to any garden or landscape. With so many varieties to choose from, it's easy to find one that suits your style and space.
Whether you opt for a bold and dramatic statement plant or a compact and easy-to-grow option, incorporating coleus into your outdoor space is sure to elevate your garden's beauty. So go ahead and experiment with different coleus varieties to find the perfect match for your garden.
With their beautiful foliage and easy-to-care-for nature, coleus plants are an excellent choice for gardeners of all skill levels. Let the colorful world of coleus inspire your garden design and enjoy the vibrant beauty they bring to your outdoor space.