No, blue coleus plants are not real. Despite the incredibly diverse and vivid palette coleus varieties offer, a true blue hue is not naturally found in their foliage. Unfortunately, there are no blue coleus plants.
The Truth About Blue Coleus Foliage
Coleus (scientifically known as Plectranthus scutellarioides, formerly Coleus blumei) are renowned for their spectacular, brightly colored leaves. They come in an astonishing array of shades, patterns, and textures, making them a favorite for adding vibrant interest to gardens and containers. However, among the reds, greens, yellows, oranges, pinks, purples, and deep burgundies (often appearing nearly black), the color blue is conspicuously absent.
Why No Blue?
The vibrant colors in coleus leaves are primarily due to different types of pigments, mainly anthocyanins (responsible for reds, purples, and some pinks), carotenoids (yellows, oranges), and chlorophyll (greens). Coleus plants simply do not possess the genetic makeup required to produce the specific blue pigments or combinations that would result in true blue foliage. This is a common characteristic in many plant species; true blue is relatively rare in the plant kingdom, especially in foliage.
Common Coleus Colors and Varieties
Coleus breeders have introduced thousands of cultivars, offering endless combinations for gardeners. Here are some of the dominant color families you'll typically find:
- Reds & Maroons: 'Redhead', 'Chocolate Covered Cherry', 'Kingwood Karnival'
- Greens & Chartreuse: 'Wasabi', 'Lime Time', 'Great Falls Iguazu'
- Yellows & Gold: 'Pineapple', 'China Rose', 'Golden Dreams'
- Pinks & Salmon: 'Watermelon', 'Wizard Pink', 'Strawberry Drop'
- Purples & Burgundy: 'Inky Fingers', 'Colorblaze Dark Star', 'Black Prince'
- Oranges & Coppers: 'Campfire', 'Main Street Wall Street', 'FlameThrower Serrano'
These plants often feature complex patterns, splashes, and contrasting margins, making them visually striking even without blue. You can explore a vast collection of varieties on reputable gardening sites like the Missouri Botanical Garden or through various plant nurseries.
Exploring Alternatives: Plants That Offer a "Blue" Aesthetic
While you won't find a true blue coleus, there are many other plants that can bring a cool, blue-toned, or blue-like appearance to your garden. These might include plants with deep purple foliage that can appear blue in certain light conditions, or those with a glaucous (waxy, silvery-blue) coating on their leaves.
| Feature | Desired Blue Coleus | Real Blue-Hued Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| True Blue Color | No | Yes (or blue-grey, deep purple, silver-blue) |
| Foliage Type | Variegated, bold | Varied (succulents, grasses, perennials, shrubs) |
| Examples | (None) | Iresine herbstii 'Blazin' Rose', Perilla frutescens 'Crispa', Sedum 'Blue Spruce', Festuca glauca (Blue Fescue), Hosta 'Halcyon', Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star', Blue Chalk Sticks (Senecio mandraliscae). |
| Growth Habit | Bushy, upright/trailing | Varies greatly, from groundcovers to shrubs |
| Care | Similar (shade/part shade, moist soil) | Varies, check specific plant needs |
Popular Blue-Toned Foliage Plants:
- Iresine herbstii (Bloodleaf): While typically known for its red or green leaves, some varieties like 'Blazin' Rose' can have very deep purplish-red foliage that might be perceived as a cool tone, similar to what someone seeking blue coleus might appreciate.
- Perilla frutescens 'Crispa' (Purple Shiso): This herb offers crinkled, deep purple leaves that can take on a bluish cast, especially in dappled light.
- Blue-Leaf Hostas: Varieties like 'Halcyon', 'Blue Angel', or 'Elegans' have thick, corrugated leaves with a powdery blue-grey coating (glaucous bloom). They thrive in shade, similar to many coleus.
- Ornamental Grasses: Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca) is famous for its compact mounds of silvery-blue foliage.
- Succulents: Many succulents, such as Sedum 'Blue Spruce', Echeveria, and Senecio mandraliscae (Blue Chalk Sticks), have distinct blue, blue-grey, or blue-green leaves due to a protective waxy coating.
- Conifers: Dwarf conifers like Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star' offer striking blue needle-like foliage year-round.
Creating a "Cool-Toned" Garden Palette
Even without blue coleus, you can still design a garden space with a cool and calming aesthetic by strategically combining plants.
- Pair Deep Purples with True Blues: Plant coleus varieties with very deep purple or burgundy leaves next to plants that produce true blue flowers, such as Lobelia (e.g., Lobelia erinus) or Salvia 'Victoria Blue'. The contrast can enhance the cool tones.
- Incorporate Silvery Foliage: Utilize plants like Lamb's Ear (Stachys byzantina) or various Artemisia species for their soft, silvery-grey leaves. These provide excellent contrast and a cool backdrop.
- Utilize Blue-Green Plants: Integrate blue-green hostas, Heuchera (coral bells) varieties with bluish tints, or certain ornamental grasses to weave in cooler hues throughout your beds.
- Consider Lighting: The way light hits a plant can significantly alter its perceived color. Deep purples can appear more blueish in cooler, indirect light or towards dusk.
By understanding the natural color limitations of coleus and exploring the vast world of other beautiful plants, you can achieve a stunning "blue" effect in your garden.
