Black Dragon Coleus is a stunning foliage annual that brings tropical drama to gardens in zones 9, 11, thriving in partial shade with its rich velvety deep red leaves. This compact cultivar matures to just 12 inches tall in 84, 91 days, spreading 10, 12 inches wide to form a dense, eye-catching ground cover. Native to the tropics of Southeast Asia, Black Dragon thrives in hot, humid conditions and works beautifully along walkways, borders, and flower beds where its dark, exotic foliage commands attention.
Photo © True Leaf Market
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
9-11
Sunlight
Partial Shade
Water
High
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile Loam; Organic Matter Preferred
Preferred Temp65-85°F
Growth Stats
12 in
Height
—
Width
10 in
Spacing
80–89
Days to Harvest
PeriodAnnual
TypeBush
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Partial Shade
Water
High
Zones
9-11
Size
12in H x ?in W
Growth
Annual
Care
High
Hover over chart points for details
Highlights
The velvety texture and rich red coloring of Black Dragon's leaves make it a showstopper in any garden setting, especially where afternoon shade protects its intensely pigmented foliage. Its compact, tidy growth habit at just 12 inches tall means you don't need much space to make a bold visual impact, whether you're tucking it into a border or using it as a ground cover. The tropical origins shine through in its preference for warmth and humidity, making it especially rewarding for gardeners in hot climates who want something genuinely exotic without the fuss of temperamental houseplants.
Common Uses
Black Dragon Coleus is grown primarily for its ornamental foliage rather than flowers. Its dramatic deep red leaves make it a striking choice for creating visual contrast in garden beds, border plantings, and edging along pathways. It also thrives as a container specimen, either alone or as a colorful centerpiece in mixed plantings, and works well as a tender annual for indoor growing during colder months.
Growing Timeline
First Bloom
Late Spring
First Harvest
Not Applicable
Last Harvest
Not Applicable
Care Instructions
Start Indoors
Start seeds indoors 6, 8 weeks before your last frost date, sowing them at 70, 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Since Black Dragon is frost-tender, transplant outdoors only after all danger of frost has passed and nighttime temperatures consistently stay warm.
Transplant Outdoors
Transplant hardened-off seedlings outdoors once soil temperatures are warm and frost risk has ended. Space plants 10 inches apart to allow their 10, 12-inch spread room to develop without crowding. Handle transplants gently to avoid damaging the delicate foliage.
Pruning
Pinch back the growing tips regularly to encourage a bushier, more compact shape and maintain the tidy 12-inch stature. This variety responds well to light pruning throughout the season, which also prevents it from becoming leggy and maximizes the dense foliage display.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Ecology & Traits
Scientific Classification
Coleus barbatus (Andrews) Benth.
Family
Lamiaceae
Genus
Coleus
Duration
Annual
Native Status
L48 (I)HI (I)PR (I)VI (I)