Dark Star Coleus

Dark Star Coleus (Coleus 'Dark Star')

Dark Star Coleus (Coleus 'Dark Star') is a striking annual known for its bold, dark-colored foliage and compact growth habit. The plant features deep purple to almost black leaves that create a dramatic contrast in the garden. With its rich color and vibrant texture, Dark Star Coleus makes an excellent focal point in containers, garden beds, and shaded spaces, adding both depth and elegance to any landscape.

Distinctive Features

Dark Star Coleus features large, dark purple to almost black leaves with a smooth, velvety texture that adds richness to any garden. The plant's compact growth and bushy habit make it ideal for containers, borders, or as an accent plant in garden beds. Its ability to thrive in shaded areas makes it a versatile choice for low-light gardens, where its bold foliage can add a striking focal point. This variety of Coleus requires minimal maintenance and can provide vibrant color and texture throughout the growing season.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Prefers partial to full shade. For best color and growth, plant in areas with indirect sunlight or dappled light.
• Soil: Grows best in well-draining, fertile soil. It performs well in slightly acidic to neutral pH and should be kept in soil that is consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Water: Requires regular watering, especially during dry spells. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can promote disease.
• Humidity: Prefers moderate humidity but is adaptable to drier conditions once established.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-11 (best suited for warm climates but can be grown as an annual or houseplant in cooler regions).

Ideal Uses

• Container Planting: Dark Star Coleus is perfect for container gardening, where its dark foliage can provide a striking contrast to lighter-colored plants and flowers.
• Shady Garden Beds: Adds a bold and rich pop of color to shaded garden beds, where its dark leaves stand out against other plants.
• Mixed Plantings: Perfect for adding depth and contrast in mixed plantings, where its bold foliage can complement lighter or more colorful plants.
• Border Planting: Its compact, bushy growth makes it ideal for borders, adding structure and vibrant color along garden paths or edges.

Low Maintenance Care

Dark Star Coleus is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care once established. Regular watering, occasional pruning, and light fertilizing are typically all that's needed to keep the plant healthy and encourage vibrant foliage.

• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry weather. Water at the base of the plant to avoid getting the foliage wet, which can encourage disease.
• Pruning: Prune any leggy or overgrown stems to maintain a tidy, compact appearance. Deadhead spent flowers to promote new growth.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring to support healthy growth and vibrant foliage throughout the growing season.
• Winter Care: In cooler climates, Dark Star Coleus is typically grown as an annual. In warmer regions, it can be grown year-round with minimal care.

Why Choose Dark Star Coleus?

Dark Star Coleus is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a bold, low-maintenance plant with rich, dark foliage. Its ability to thrive in shaded areas and its compact growth make it a perfect addition to containers, garden beds, and mixed plantings.

• Bold Foliage: The dark purple to black leaves provide a striking visual impact, adding drama and sophistication to any garden or container.
• Focal Point: With its rich foliage and compact growth habit, Dark Star Coleus serves as a focal point in garden beds, containers, or borders.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced gardeners.
• Ideal for Shaded Areas: This variety thrives in low-light conditions, making it a great choice for shaded or partially shaded gardens.

For a striking, low-maintenance plant that adds bold color and texture to your garden or containers, Dark Star Coleus (Coleus 'Dark Star') is the perfect choice for your landscape.