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Pruning guide · Annual
Coleus: when and how to prune
Coleus scutellarioides
Coleus is best pruned in May–September.
| Pruning months | May–September |
|---|---|
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
| Poisonous to people and pets | Yes, take care with children and pets |
Coleus: when to prune it?
Pinch the stems regularly from May to September, and remove the flower spikes as soon as they appear.
What else to prune in those months? May · June · July · August · September
Coleus: how to prune it?
- Pinch or snip the tip of a stem just above a pair of leaves; two new shoots will grow there.
- Remove flower spikes with a little piece of stem as soon as you see them.
- Cut long, bare stems back to a few pairs of leaves above the ground; they soon reshoot.
- Use the removed tips as cuttings.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: May–September.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Don’t cut more than you need to: what stays standing gives insects and birds food and shelter.
Caution: Wear gloves if you have sensitive skin, as the sap can irritate. Coleus is poisonous: wear gloves and keep clippings away from children, pets and livestock.
Nearby: related pruning guides
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.