With their dazzling mix of colors and textures, coleus are some of the most exciting plants you can add to your garden If you’re looking to buy coleus plants, you have several good options both online and in-person. Here are the best places to find healthy, vibrant coleus for your landscape or containers.
Online Sources for Buying Coleus Plants
Ordering plants online offers convenience and selection Many online plant retailers have extensive collections of coleus varieties Here are some top online sources for buying coleus
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Online nurseries – Reputable online nurseries like GrowJoy, Jung Seed, Bluestone Perennials, and Brent and Becky’s Bulbs have wide selections of coleus plants shipped directly to your door. You can easily browse for favorite coleus varieties and compare options.
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Etsy growers – Many small-scale plant growers sell coleus through their Etsy shops. Browse listings to find uncommon coleus varieties offered by independent sellers. Reviews let you check quality before purchasing.
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Amazon – Search Amazon for coleus plants sold and shipped by third party nurseries. Selection is limited but prices may be competitive. Check seller feedback and policies before ordering.
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eBay – eBay is another option for finding coleus sold by independent growers and nurseries. Listings change frequently so selection varies. Make sure to review the seller’s profile and check policies.
When buying coleus plants online, look for sellers who quickly ship robust, small starter plants. Avoid sellers shipping large, potted plants which are more prone to damage.
Big Box Store Options for Coleus Plants
Large home improvement and garden centers like Home Depot and Lowe’s stock coleus plants seasonally, usually during spring and summer months. Here are some perks to buying coleus at these stores:
- Convenient one-stop shopping for plants and gardening supplies
- Ability to see and select specific plants in person
- Immediate gratification – take home plants same day
- Often grown locally or regionally to match climate
The selection at big box stores is typically limited to a few popular varieties like the Wizard coleus series or Main Street coleus. Call your local stores ahead to check availability.
Independent Garden Centers for Coleus Plants
Local independent garden centers and nurseries are excellent sources for finding exciting, unique coleus varieties. Here are some benefits of shopping for coleus at indie garden centers:
- Wider range of plant choices beyond big box stores
- Staff are often very knowledgeable about plants
- Support small, local businesses and growers
- Quality, health and origin of plants is easy to verify
The main downside is that selection can be seasonal and inventory limited. Again, it’s a good idea to call ahead to confirm they have coleus in stock.
Some top independent garden centers include Armstrong Garden Centers in California, Callaway’s Nursery in Georgia, and Rice’s Nursery and Landscapes in Ohio. Search for well-rated local nurseries in your state.
Other Places to Find Coleus Plants
If you don’t have much luck finding coleus at the above sources, here are a few other places you may be able to track them down:
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Farmers markets – Markets often have vendors selling plants and flowers. Chat with the growers about coleus availability.
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Plant swaps – Look for local plant exchanges through gardening groups, clubs, or Facebook. You may find coleus lovers willing to share cuttings.
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Botanical gardens – Some botanic gardens have seasonal plant sales offering unusual coleus varieties. Call to see if sales are open to the public.
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Friends and neighbors – Ask around! Fellow gardeners are usually happy to share plant divisions or cuttings.
What to Look for When Buying Coleus Plants
To make sure you pick healthy coleus plants, check for these signs when buying:
- Leaves are bright and unwilted with good color
- No discolored or yellowing leaves
- Stems are sturdy, not limp
- No flower buds or spikes which sap energy
- Soil is moist but not muddy or sopping wet
- Roots fill the pot but aren’t severely pot-bound
- No sign of pests like aphids or mealybugs
Avoid root-bound, flowering, or bug-ridden coleus plants. Also pass on any with dull or wilting leaves indicating root stress.
Tips for Successfully Planting Your New Coleus
Once you get your new coleus plants home:
- Transplant into containers or the garden soon after buying
- Water well and allow them to recover for a few days before full sun exposure
- Pinch back any existing flowers to encourage leafy growth
- Apply fertilizer a week after transplanting to nurture new growth
- Monitor soil moisture closely as coleus dislike drying out
With proper care after bringing home new coleus, you’ll have gorgeous, vibrant plants all season long.
Find Your New Coleus Planting Pals
No matter where you choose to buy coleus plants, you’ll find an incredible spectrum of colors, patterns, and textures to liven up your garden. Look for varieties like:
- Wizard coleus – Velvety leaves in shades like scarlet, rose, and burgundy
- Kong series – Big, bold leaves often edged in bright colors
- Main Street coleus – Subtle to outrageous combos to mix and match
- Black Dragon – Near black leaves with serrated edges
- Golden Dreams – Brilliant chartreuse and purple foliage
Coleus possibilities are endless! Visit reputable local sources or trusted online sellers to find exciting new coleus to grow. With the right care, these sensational plants will reward you with vivid foliage all season long.
Welcome to Rosy Dawn Gardens!
Rosy Dawn Gardens is a mail-order nursery run by a family that sells colorful coleus starter plants for home gardeners. Coleus are not a sideline for us. Coleus are all we grow! We have over 200 different varieties from which you may choose. Coleus are tender perennials that are grown for their pretty leaves. In the U.S., they are usually thought of as annuals. S. Since they dont depend on flowers for color, coleus will brighten your garden or patio all summer long. You’ve come to the right place if you like to garden in pots, on the patio, or in beautiful garden beds.
Our plants are healthy and well rooted in a 1. 5″ x 2″ deep plug surrounded by biodegradable fabric. When we ship our coleus, their height depends on the type and the date, but they are usually between 3″ and 12″ tall. Sizes are similar to what you would purchase in a 3″ to 4″ pot in a nursery. With our special growing method, we can give you a strong starter plant with well-formed roots while using very little growing medium. Each plant is rolled up into its own cardboard tube before shipping, so it gets to you in perfect shape. We have been successfully shipping coleus this way since we opened 20 years ago. Coleus are guaranteed to arrive alive! If your package is delayed or damaged and your coleus don’t make it, we will re-ship your order at no extra cost to you.
An Indoor Coleus Guide | Where To Find Free Coleus, Easy Overwintering & Best Varieties
FAQ
What month do you plant coleus?
Do coleus like sun or shade?
Will coleus come back every year?
Is a coleus an annual or perennial?
