Purple Coleus: Discover the Stunning Varieties for Your Garden

Alligator Alley

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Are you searching for beautiful purple coleus plants to enhance your garden and summer pots? Look no further!

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore 25 breathtaking purple coleus varieties that will add a vibrant splash of color to your outdoor space.

Known for their rapid growth rate, ease of care, and unique foliage, coleus plants are an excellent choice for any gardener.

Whether you prefer predominantly purple foliage, dark and near-black leaves, or a mix of purple and burgundy with other colors, you are sure to find the perfect purple coleus to suit your style.

Introduction

Coleus plants are prized for their stunning foliage, vibrant colors, and easy maintenance. Among the wide variety of coleus plants available, purple coleus varieties are particularly popular for their striking appearance.

With shades ranging from deep purple to near-black, these plants add depth and drama to any garden or container.

In this article, we will explore 25 different purple coleus varieties, each with its own unique characteristics and growth habit. Whether you prefer upright plants, trailing varieties, or compact mounding forms, there is a purple coleus that will suit your needs. Let’s dive in and discover the beauty of these spectacular plants!

1. Alligator Alley

  • Height: 16 to 22 inches tall
  • Habit: Upright

Comments: With bright green edges and a rich mahogany center, Alligator Alley is a bushy and compact coleus variety. It is perfect for pots or as a shorter border plant in your garden. You can find this stunning variety under the name Coleus Main Street ‘Alligator Alley’.

2. Amethyst

  • Height: 16 to 24 inches tall
  • Habit: Upright

Comments: Amethyst coleus, also known as Coleus ‘Amethyst’, features deep purple, ruffled leaves with hot pink accents throughout. This variety adds a touch of drama and elegance to any garden or container.

3. Apocalypse

  • Height: 16 to 24 inches tall
  • Habit: Upright

Comments: Apocalypse coleus, or Coleus ‘Apocalypse’, boasts scalloped leaves with deep purple centers and beautiful bright green edges. The contrasting colors create a captivating visual display in any setting.

4. Ashbury

  • Height: 20 to 26 inches tall
  • Habit: Upright

Comments: Ashbury coleus, also known as Coleus Main Street ‘Ashbury’, is a stunning variety with branching foliage. The leaves feature a mix of pink and burgundy, creating a unique and eye-catching appearance.

5. Black Beauty

  • Height: 16 to 22 inches tall
  • Habit: Upright

Comments: Black Beauty coleus, or Coleus ‘Black Beauty’, is known for its purple leaves mottled with reddish highlights. This variety is truly breathtaking, but it requires sufficient light to bring out the rich coloration.

6. Black Coral

  • Height: 12 to 18 inches tall
  • Habit: Upright

Comments: Black Coral coleus, or Coleus Under The Sea ‘Black Coral’, is a short variety with deep purple foliage that appears almost black. This unique and striking plant adds a touch of elegance to any garden or container.

7. Black Lace

  • Height: 14 to 20 inches tall
  • Habit: Upright

Comments: Black Lace coleus, or Coleus ‘Black Lace’, features lacy green leaves with bright green and deep purple coloration. The combination of colors creates a visually stunning display in any garden or container.

8. Black Prince

  • Height: 24 to 30 inches tall
  • Habit: Upright

Comments: Black Prince coleus, or Coleus ‘Black Prince’, is a tall variety with deep purple, near-black foliage. This striking plant adds a touch of mystery and elegance to any garden or landscape.

9. Blackberry Waffles

  • Height: 16 to 24 inches tall
  • Habit: Upright

Comments: Blackberry Waffles coleus, or Coleus ‘Blackberry Waffles’, gets its name from its uniquely quilted, dark purple (almost black) foliage. This variety is a true showstopper and is sure to impress.

10. Blair’s Witch

  • Height: 16 to 24 inches tall
  • Habit: Upright

Comments: Blair’s Witch coleus, or Coleus ‘Blair’s Witch’, features striking foliage with purple centers surrounded by a kaleidoscope of green, yellow, and red. This unique variety adds a touch of enchantment to any garden or container.

11. Burgundy Sun

  • Height: 24 to 30 inches tall
  • Habit: Upright

Comments: Burgundy Sun coleus, or Coleus ‘Burgundy Sun’, showcases gorgeous burgundy leaves. To bring out the richest color, this variety requires some exposure to sunlight.

12. Burgundy Wedding Train

  • Height: 12 inches tall
  • Habit: Trailing

Comments: Burgundy Wedding Train coleus, or Coleus ‘Burgundy Wedding Train’, is a vigorously growing trailing coleus with purplish-burgundy centers on the leaves and bright green edges. It is perfect for adding a cascading effect to your summer pots.

13. Cantigny Royale

  • Height: 12 to 18 inches tall
  • Habit: Mounding

Comments: Cantigny Royale coleus, or Coleus ‘Cantigny Royale’, features small, rich purple foliage. Its short and mounding habit makes it ideal for edging garden beds or adding a pop of color to mixed pots.

14. Chocolate Mint

  • Height: 14 to 36 inches tall
  • Habit: Upright

Comments: Chocolate Mint coleus, or Coleus Talavera ‘Chocolate Mint’, is simply gorgeous. Its dark purplish-burgundy foliage is edged with bright green, creating a striking contrast.

15. Chocolate Velveteen

  • Height: 14 to 36 inches tall
  • Habit: Upright

Comments: Chocolate Velveteen coleus, or Coleus Talavera ‘Chocolate Velveteen’, features deep burgundy leaves with purple undersides. This variety adds a touch of elegance and richness to any garden or container.

16. Darth Vader

  • Height: 16 to 24 inches tall
  • Habit: Upright

Comments: Darth Vader coleus, or Coleus ‘Darth Vader’, showcases gorgeous narrow leaves with deep purple centers and chartreuse edges. This unique variety adds a touch of drama and sophistication to any garden or landscape.

17. El Brighto

  • Height: 16 to 24 inches tall
  • Habit: Upright

Comments: El Brighto coleus, or Coleus ‘El Brighto’, is simply stunning. Its leaves feature purple centers surrounded by a pinkish-red area with yellow, scalloped edges. Some exposure to sunlight is necessary for the most vivid colors.

18. Enchantress

  • Height: 12 to 18 inches tall
  • Habit: Upright

Comments: Enchantress coleus, or Coleus ‘Enchantress’, boasts deep purple ruffled edges with a gorgeously contrasting magenta center. This variety is upright and short, making it a perfect choice for adding a burst of color to your garden.

19. Felix

  • Height: 16 to 24 inches tall
  • Habit: Upright

Comments: Felix coleus, or Coleus ‘Felix’, features eggplant-purple centers and beautifully contrasting yellow-green scalloped edges. This variety adds a touch of vibrancy and playfulness to any garden or container.

20. Flamingo

  • Height: 16 to 24 inches tall
  • Habit: Upright

Comments: Flamingo coleus, or Coleus ‘Flamingo’, showcases bright pink centers surrounded by a beautiful purple color. The deeply scalloped edges add an extra layer of interest and texture.

21. Florida Sun Rose

  • Height: 12 to 18 inches tall
  • Habit: Upright

Comments: Florida Sun Rose coleus, or Coleus ‘Florida Sun Rose’, features deep purple centers on the leaves surrounded by a beautiful pink with hints of green, yellow, and red. This variety can have slight mounding and trailing tendencies, making it perfect for the edges of your mixed summer pots.

22. Giant Fantasy

  • Height: 24 to 30 inches tall
  • Habit: Upright

Comments: Giant Fantasy coleus, or Coleus ‘Giant Fantasy’, is a taller variety with burgundy centers and bright green edges. This variety adds height and drama to any garden or landscape.

23. Gilda

  • Height: 16 to 24 inches tall
  • Habit: Upright

Comments: Gilda coleus, or Coleus ‘Gilda’, features ruffled foliage with dark purple centers surrounded by yellow, red, and green. This variety adds a touch of whimsy and charm to any garden or container.

24. Glinda

  • Height: 24 to 36 inches tall
  • Habit: Upright

Comments: Glinda coleus, or Coleus ‘Glinda’, is a tall variety with striking purple and magenta foliage. This variety adds a touch of enchantment and elegance to any garden or landscape.

25. Hot Sauce

  • Height: 24 to 30 inches tall
  • Habit: Upright

Comments: Hot Sauce coleus, or Coleus ‘Hot Sauce’, features dark mahogany centers surrounded by reddish edges. This variety adds a touch of warmth and spice to any garden or container.

Conclusion

In this article, we have explored 25 stunning purple coleus varieties, each with its own unique characteristics and beauty. From deep purple to near-black foliage, these coleus plants are sure to make a statement in any garden or container. Whether you prefer upright plants, trailing varieties, or compact mounding forms, there is a purple coleus that will suit your needs.

Remember to provide these plants with the appropriate light, water, and soil conditions to ensure their optimal growth and coloration. With proper care, your purple coleus will thrive and bring joy to your outdoor space.

So go ahead and add a touch of purple to your garden with these spectacular coleus varieties. Happy gardening!

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