Is Coleus Redhead a Perennial?

History

• Coleus plants first rose to popularity in the 1800s. Because they are so delicate in cold temperatures, however, they fell out of favor almost as quickly. It wasn't until the 1990s -- when the plants were bred to be a little tougher and more colorful -- that they became desirable again. "Redhead" is licensed by Florida Foundation Seed Producers Inc. As of 2013, the only approved propagator of this cultivar is Ball Horticultural Co.

Appearance

• Like all coleus plants, "Redhead" is grown for its foliage. Although coleus plants produce flowers, many home gardeners pluck off the flowers. "Redhead" features heavily ruffled, true-red leaves. The mounding plant grows to a maximum height and width of about 24 and 28 inches, respectively. Often grown in a pot, it is considered equally attractive as a border plant.

Culture

• "Redhead" grows best in partial sun, according to the Ball Horticultural Co. Coleus plants in general perform best in well-draining soil. So don't plant the "Redhead" cultivar where standing water collects or in a pot that lacks drainage holes in its base. On the other hand, coleus plants don't do well in overly dry conditions either. Warm, slightly moist soil is best for them.

Propagation

• Coleus plants root easily from cuttings. Propagation of "Redhead" is illegal because the plant is protected under the U.S. patent laws. If you live in a cold climate, the best way to enjoy coleus plants year after year without buying a new plant annually is to take a cutting from the tip of a branch of one plant. Wait to take the cutting until the temperature is about 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and then make a clean, angled cut just above a node, ensuring that the cut portion is about 3 inches long. Nodes are little bumps on stems, and leaves grow from them. Your cut portion should also include 2 or 3 more nodes. Strip all but the top two sets of leaves from the stem, and then stick the stem in a moist, soil-less planting medium. A medium that has a 3-to-1 ratio of perlite to peat is ideal, but coleus stems also grow in moist sand, only perlite or even room-temperature tap water. The newly planted stem should be placed where it will receive lots of sunlight; a warm, sunny windowsill where temperatures remain above 60 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. In 10 days, the stem should sprout roots. The new coleus should be ready for transplanting into soil within two to three weeks after that point.