Coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides ) is prized for its colorful foliage that ranges from variegated green and white to deep shades of red, burgundy and bronze. Native to Malaysia and Indonesia, coleus is a tender perennial in tropical regions, but is grown as an annual throughout the United States. Coleus grows as a perennial throughout U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11. While most coleus develop the brightest color when grown in partial to full shade, some varieties thrive in full sun. Coleus prefers fertile, evenly moist soil. Although coleus is not propagated via division, there are times, such as when you want to move coleus plants from a mass planting to another area, when dividing existing coleus plants is necessary.
Water your coleus thoroughly, saturating the soil to the root level, the day before dividing them. This makes the soil easier to work and gives the plants the moisture they need to combat the stress of being moved.
Cut the foliage back to a height of 4 to 6 inches. This inhibits water loss due to respiration and reduces stress to the plant. New growth will soon appear and return your coleus plant to its usual luster.
Dig around your group of coleus plants with a garden spade or shovel, using care not to injure the roots. Typically, a berth of 6 to 8 inches allows room to dig without injuring roots.
Slide the blade of the spade under the root ball and lift the plants free from the soil. Shake the plants gently to remove excess soil from the roots.
Gently pull the roots apart with your hands to separate individual plants. Coleus roots should be white or tan and firm, but flexible. Cut away any brittle or discolored roots.
Replant the divided coleus in a prepared garden bed, positioning them to the same growing depth with the roots spread out over the soil. Fill in around the roots with fresh soil and firm it down with your hands to remove air pockets and secure the plant. Water thoroughly and keep the soil moist until new growth appears and the roots are established.
Things You Will Need
- Garden spade
- Sharp knife
- Prepared garden bed
- Take cuttings from coleus in the fall before cool weather strikes.
- Root coleus cuttings in a glass or vase of water to create new plants identical to the parent plant.
- Coleus plants can be grown inside as a colorful houseplant during the winter. Take cuttings in late winter or early spring to start new coleus plants for the summer garden.
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