coleus

American  

[koh-lee-uhs] / ˈkoʊ li əs /

noun

plural

coleuses

1. any of several tropical Asian or African plants belonging to the genus Coleus, of the mint family, certain species of which are cultivated for their showy, colored foliage and blue flowers.

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coleus British  

/ ˈkəʊlɪəs /

noun

1. any plant of the Old World genus Coleus: cultivated for their variegated leaves, typically marked with red, yellow, or white: family Lamiaceae (labiates)

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Etymology

Origin of coleus

1865–70; < New Latin < Greek koleós, variant of koleón sheath, scabbard; akin to conceal, hull ¹

Example Sentences

Bifano also is overseeing the planting of more than 500 special coleus plants around the large red barn — aptly named the Barn — on Streisand’s property.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2025

Coral Candy Coleus, the first coleus grown from seed selected as an AAS Winner, is uniformly compact and has unique narrow, serrated, multicolored leaves.

From Seattle Times • May 8, 2024

Some annuals, such as geraniums, have a fighting chance, along with perennials such as coleus, hibiscus and oleanders, and even those more accustomed to tropical climates.

From Washington Post • Nov. 30, 2021

Some — like coleus and sweet potato vine — root readily in water, but a cell pack filled with potting soil is better.

From New York Times • Sep. 16, 2020

Among foliage plants such things as coleus, dusty miller, begonia, and some geraniums are adaptable.

From Manual of Gardening (Second Edition) by Bailey, L. H. (Liberty Hyde)