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

Frothy coleus, tropical banana trees and vivid begonias are the fun of summer; “too Dubai” is the point.

From Seattle Times • May 28, 2022

Some annuals, such as geraniums, have a fighting chance, along with perennials such as coleus, hibiscus and oleanders, and even those more accustomed to tropical climates.

From Washington Post • Nov. 30, 2021

On June 22, the first day the rules that expanded outdoor dining went into effect, she went to a garden store in Nassau County for potted palms, New Guinea impatiens, purple coleus and artificial turf.

From New York Times • Jul. 9, 2020

Begonias, fuchsias, heliotrope and coleus are often used.

From The Library of Work and Play: Gardening and Farming. by Shaw, Ellen Eddy