Coleus Henna: All-Time Favorite
- Alla P.
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Coleus 'Henna' stands out as one of the most distinctive and sought-after coleus varieties available to gardeners today. With its unique serrated leaves, vibrant chartreuse and burgundy coloration, and exceptional sun tolerance, Coleus Henna has revolutionized how gardeners use coleus in landscape design. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about this remarkable plant.
What Makes Coleus Henna Special?
Unlike traditional coleus varieties that require shade, Coleus Henna thrives in direct sunlight, maintaining its intense color even during the hottest summer days. This breakthrough cultivar, introduced by renowned breeder Chris Baker, features these distinctive characteristics:
Deeply serrated, frilly leaf edges creating a unique texture
Rich burgundy undersides contrasting with chartreuse-lime upper surfaces
Compact, well-branched growth habit reaching 22-28 inches tall
Superior heat tolerance compared to standard coleus varieties
Non-fading color stability throughout the growing season
Natural resistance to downy mildew and other common coleus problems
The name 'Henna' perfectly describes this variety's appearance, as the deep burgundy coloration resembles the rich red-brown pigment used in traditional henna body art.
Growing Coleus Henna Plant Successfully
Whether in containers or landscape beds, Coleus Henna performs best when given specific growing conditions:
Ideal Light Conditions
Contrary to conventional coleus wisdom, Henna actually develops its most intense coloration in full sun exposure. While it performs adequately in partial shade, you'll notice:
More compact growth in full sun
More intense burgundy coloration with sun exposure
Better branching and fuller habit
Less stretching between leaf nodes
In very hot southern climates, providing afternoon shade can prevent leaf scorch during extreme heat waves.
Soil Requirements
Coleus Henna adapts to various soil types but performs best in:
Well-draining, fertile soil
Slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0)
Soil enhanced with organic matter
Consistent moisture without waterlogging
In containers, use premium potting mix with added perlite for improved drainage. The addition of slow-release fertilizer during planting helps establish plants quickly.
Watering Needs
While drought-tolerant once established, Coleus Henna benefits from:
Regular watering during establishment phase
Consistent moisture during hot weather
Watering at soil level to prevent leaf spotting
Reduced watering in cooler weather
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root issues. Container-grown plants typically require more frequent watering than those planted in the ground.
Design Applications for Coleus Henna
The versatility of Coleus Henna makes it valuable in various garden settings:
Container Excellence
Coleus Henna performs exceptionally well in containers:
Creates dramatic focal points in solo plantings
Pairs beautifully with trailing plants like sweet potato vine
Adds height and structure to mixed container arrangements
Maintains compact form without excessive stretching
Thrives in both small and large containers
The striking coloration makes Henna particularly effective in glazed ceramic pots with complementary burgundy or green tones.
Landscape Uses
In garden beds, Coleus Henna serves multiple functions:
Mid-border height (22-28 inches) fills the difficult middle ground
Creates season-long color in sunny perennial borders
Offers textural contrast to broad-leafed plants
Provides transition between flowering plants
Forms effective background for shorter annuals
Its sun tolerance makes Coleus Henna particularly valuable for filling gaps in perennial borders where most coleus varieties would struggle.
Maintenance Tips for Coleus Heanna Plant Peak Performance
Keeping Coleus Henna looking its best requires minimal but specific maintenance:
Coleus Henna Pruning and Pinching
Regular pruning encourages the naturally bushy habit:
Pinch new plants when 4-6 inches tall to encourage branching
Remove flower spikes promptly to maintain foliage vigor
Trim leggy growth to maintain compact form
Save pruned stems for easy propagation
Unlike some coleus varieties, Henna responds exceptionally well to pruning, quickly producing new growth with excellent color.
Coleus Henna Fertilization Schedule
Support continuous growth with proper nutrition:
Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season
In containers, use liquid fertilizer at half strength every 2-3 weeks
Reduce feeding in fall as growth naturally slows
Avoid excessive nitrogen which can diminish color intensity
Regular feeding maintains Coleus Henna plant's vibrant coloration and supports continuous growth.
Solving Coleus Henna Common Problems
Even this resilient variety can face occasional challenges:
Leggy Growth of Coleus Henna
If plants begin stretching:
Increase light exposure
Pinch growing tips more frequently
Verify adequate nutrition
Check for insect damage on growing tips
Color Fading of Coleus Henna
If burgundy tones diminish:
Increase sun exposure if possible
Check water management (avoid overwatering)
Apply balanced fertilizer with micronutrients
Ensure plants aren't root-bound
Pest Management for Coleus Henna Plant
Coleus Henna shows good resistance to pests, but occasionally faces:
Aphids on new growth
Spider mites during hot, dry periods
Mealybugs in greenhouse conditions
Most issues can be addressed with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil before resorting to stronger treatments.
Companion Plants for Coleus Henna
Enhance your garden design by pairing Coleus Henna with complementary plants:
Purple Fountain Grass: Echoes the burgundy tones while adding height
Sweet Potato Vine 'Blackie': Creates dramatic spilling effect with compatible coloration
Calibrachoa 'Superbells Yellow': Provides contrasting bright flowers in similar chartreuse tones
Blue Salvia: Offers color complement that makes both plants more vibrant
Lantana 'Bandana Lemon Zest': Provides flowering interest with compatible yellow tones
These companions share similar growing requirements while creating visually harmonious combinations.
Seasonal Considerations for Coleus Henna
Plan for Coleus Henna's performance throughout the growing season:
Coleus Henna Spring Establishment
Plant after danger of frost has passed
Space 12-18 inches apart in landscape settings
Allow soil to warm before planting
Begin pinching early to establish branching
Coleus Henna Summer Performance
Monitor water needs during heat waves
Continue deadheading flower spikes
Maintain fertilization schedule
Provide afternoon shade in extreme heat if needed
Coleus Henna Fall Transition
Take cuttings for winter propagation
Reduce fertilization as temperatures cool
Protect from early frost with coverings
Consider bringing container specimens indoors
Frequently Asked Questions About Coleus Henna Live Plant
Is Coleus Henna annual or perennial? Coleus Henna is technically a tender perennial (USDA zones 10-11) but is grown as an annual in most regions. It can be overwintered indoors in colder climates.
How long does it take Coleus Henna to reach full size? Under optimal conditions, Coleus Henna reaches full size in 8-10 weeks from planting. Starting with established young plants significantly accelerates garden impact.
Can Coleus Henna be grown indoors? Yes, it performs well as a houseplant when given bright, indirect light. South or west-facing windows are ideal for maintaining its vibrant coloration indoors.
Does Coleus Henna come back every year? In frost-free regions (zones 10-11), it can return annually. In colder areas, take cuttings or bring plants indoors before first frost to preserve them.
How is Coleus Henna different from other coleus varieties? Its exceptional sun tolerance, unique serrated leaf shape, and stable chartreuse-burgundy coloration distinguish it from traditional coleus varieties.
Coleus Henna represents the perfect combination of striking appearance and garden performance. Its unique coloration, sun tolerance, and easy-care nature make it an exceptional choice for gardeners of all experience levels. Whether you're creating dramatic containers, filling sunny garden spaces, or looking for season-long color without constant maintenance, Coleus Henna delivers outstanding results.
For gardeners seeking plants that combine visual impact with reliable performance, Coleus Henna stands as one of the most rewarding choices available. Its adaptability to various conditions while maintaining its distinctive appearance makes it truly exceptional among modern garden plants.
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