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

The coleus — Proven Winners’ Colorblaze Rediculous — are chosen for their leaves, a deep red burgundy shade almost identical to the Barn’s color.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2025

Both are quintessential coleus, with brightly patterned leaves in colors vivid enough to stand out yet sufficiently muted to blend with other plants in pots and borders.

From Seattle Times • May 28, 2022

Fast-rooting cuttings like coleus and sweet potato vine can be potted up to larger quarters, pinched and shaped to use as your own stock plants, to take more cuttings from in late winter.

From New York Times • Sep. 16, 2020

She said she was more concerned about people staying safe than the welfare of her coleus and salvias plants.

From Washington Times • May 31, 2020

Bedding stock is what the florists term geraniums, coleus, begonias and other plants used for setting out flower beds in the spring.

From Gardening Indoors and Under Glass A Practical Guide to the Planting, Care and Propagation of House Plants, and to the Construction and Management of Hotbed, Coldframe and Small Greenhouse by Rockwell, F. F. (Frederick Frye)