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Black Dragon Coleus Plant

9.99
  • - Painted Nettle
  • - Height: 10-14 inches
  • - Growing Zone: 2-11
  • - Exposure: Part Sun
  • - Bloom Time: Late Summer
  • - Each Quart Pot contains 1 Black Dragon Coleus Plant
Plant Features

The Black Dragon Coleus (Painted Nettle) plant is more shade-loving than most, having remarkable color even when the sunshine is limited. The unique leaves are beautifully scalloped, ruffled and corrugated for fantastic texture! This shade tolerant plant's color is almost self-explanatory: deep purplish-black margins surround a center that ranges in color from dark maroon to bright scarlet red, looking similar to a black dragon's maw. It will add texture, interest and color to mixed garden and container plantings.

Planting Instructions:

  • - Plant in spring after the last frost date
  • - Space plants 12-18 inches apart, depending on the variety
  • - Coleus can be grown in containers, borders, or as bedding plants

Soil Preparation:

  • - Ideal soil pH: 6.0-7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
  • - Use well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter
  • - Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and fertility

Watering Specifics:

  • - Water when the top inch of soil feels dry
  • - Avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf spotting
  • - Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds

Fertilizer Type:

  • - Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season
  • - For container plants, use a half-strength fertilizer solution every 1-2 weeks

Pruning and Training:

  • - Pinch back growing tips regularly to encourage bushiness
  • - Remove flower spikes as they appear to promote foliage growth
  • - Trim leggy growth to maintain shape and size

Additional Pest Management:

  • - Watch for common pests like mealybugs, whiteflies, and spider mites
  • - Monitor for diseases such as root rot and downy mildew, especially in humid conditions

Foliage Indicators:

  • - Prized for its vibrant, colorful foliage rather than flowers

Light Requirements:

  • - Protect from intense afternoon sun in hot climates
  • - Leaf color is often more vibrant in brighter light conditions

Temperature Tolerance:

  • - Can tolerate brief periods of higher temperatures with adequate moisture
  • - Protect from cold temperatures; damage can occur below 40°F

Companion Plants for Coleus:

  • - Caladium: Offers large, colorful foliage that complements Coleus' diverse leaf patterns
  • - Impatiens: Provides colorful flowers in shaded areas where Coleus thrives
  • - Begonias: Offers both attractive foliage and flowers to pair with Coleus
  • - Ferns: Add textural contrast to Coleus' bold foliage
  • - Hostas: Provide large leaves with varying colors and patterns to complement Coleus in shade gardens
Attribute name Attribute value
Plant Characteristics
Height Category Tall
Mature Spread 10-14 inches
Habit Upright
Foliage Color Multicolored
Features Heat tolerant
Garden Styles Container Garden, Cottage Garden, Therapeutic Garden
Plant Used for Aesthetic Appeal, Borders and Edging, Focal Point, Texture
Pet Friendly No
Critter Resistance Deer Resistance: Low

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Top Reviews

dramatic Coleus for the garden

The Black Dragon Coleus is a dramatic addition to my Coleus garden.

From Sheila | May 18, 2016


a great plant for my shady garden

This Black Dragon Coleus is a standout in my shady garden.

From Sheila | August 18, 2015


Black Dragon Coleus

Awesome color! Arrived in great condition a great addition to my garden!

From Nikolas | July 23, 2015


healthy Coleus plants

I have bought many plants from this site. The plants arrive fresh, healthy and well packaged. I have not had a single loss and they are thriving very well. The Black Dragon Coleus is growing well in my container garden.

From Deepa | May 31, 2013


Black Dragon Coleus

Plants arrived quickly, packaged well, and it great condition.

From Kayla | May 01, 2013


Black Dragon Coleus Plant

Could not find this in my neighborhood. Love this plant!

From anonymous | July 02, 2012


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