Decorative Foliage
Lava Rose Coleus is a stunning foliage cultivar of Coleus scutellarioides that thrives in full sun across USDA zones 10-11. This frost-tender perennial grows to 12-24 inches tall and produces delicate flowers from summer through fall, but the real show happens in the leaves, which display the dramatic coloring that earns this variety its volcanic name. Its dependence on consistently moist soil and preference for warmth makes it a plant that rewards attentive gardeners with vibrant growth.
Full Sun
High
10-11
24in H x ?in W
Annual
High
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Lava Rose Coleus demands full sun and plenty of water, rewarding both with intense foliage color that intensifies under bright light. The plant blooms reliably from June through November in warm climates, extending the seasonal interest beyond the typical growing window. Germinating quickly between 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit, it establishes fast enough to make an impact in a single season, reaching mature size within weeks of transplanting.
Lava Rose Coleus is grown primarily as an ornamental foliage plant, valued for its dramatic leaf color in garden beds, containers, and tropical landscapes. The striking appearance makes it a natural choice for mixed plantings where bold color is desired, though the summer-to-fall blooms add secondary interest.
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost, maintaining soil temperatures between 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit for reliable germination. Transplant seedlings outdoors after all frost danger has passed and the soil has warmed.
Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days before transplanting. Move them to their final location only after all danger of frost has passed and nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pinch back the growing tips regularly to encourage bushier, fuller growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy. Remove flower buds if you prefer to focus energy on leaf color rather than bloom production, though many gardeners enjoy the delicate flowers that appear from summer through fall.
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