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

Noun Inflected Forms

• coleuses
  plural

Etymology

Origin of coleus

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

coleus coleuses

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

Cuttings of plants such as coleus, sweet potato vine and plectranthus make living bouquets and possibly new plants for next year.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 13, 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

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

In some soft wooded plants, like coleus, a covering of common grafting wax over the bandage was an advantage, probably because it prevented the drying out of the parts.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 795, March 28, 1891 by Various

Begin to propagate greenhouse plants by cuttings; also coleuses by cuttings in heat, potting them off as soon as rooted.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 7 "Horticulture" to "Hudson Bay" by Various

There is abundant opportunity along the borders for dropping in cannas, dahlias, hollyhocks, asters, geraniums, coleuses, and other brilliant plants.

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