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

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

Begin with some of the common herbaceous bedding-plants, such as geranium, coleus, or fuschia.

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