coleus

American  

[koh-lee-uhs] / ˈkoʊ li əs /

noun

coleuses plural

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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Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

• coleuses
  plural

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

Set cuttings in water so they’ll root — Peloza’s had the most success with coleus and sweet potato vines.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 13, 2023

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

On June 22, the first day the rules that expanded outdoor dining went into effect, she went to a garden store in Nassau County for potted palms, New Guinea impatiens, purple coleus and artificial turf.

From New York Times • Jul. 9, 2020

For inside and in shady situations the following are suitable: tradescantia, parlour ivy, moneywort, vinca smilax, climbing fern, asparagus fern, dracæna, coleus, centaurea, sword fern, and Boston fern.

From Ontario Teachers' Manuals: Nature Study by Ontario. Ministry of Education