White Flower Farm
Coleus 'Garnet Robe'
Best foliage plant for gardeners seeking vibrant, low-maintenance shade color.
Coleus 'Garnet Robe' features heart-shaped leaves displaying a rich Bordeaux color beautifully edged in chartreuse. This outstanding foliage plant excels on its own or when paired with other companions, capable of engulfing a 12-inch pot. While many Coleus varieties tolerate sun, this selection thrives, offering valuable color, especially in shaded garden areas where summer color can be scarce. It is generally grown as an annual but is perennial in Zone 10. Pinching the tips encourages bushier growth, and it roots very easily from cuttings for easy propagation.
$11.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1779
/ 2710
#1779 in Plants
Price vs Category Average
-73%
Below average
Ships as
128.86.
/ Pint ( CU IN)
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking high-impact, vibrant foliage in low-light areas
- Shade-garden owners looking to brighten dark corners or patios
- Beginners wanting a fast-growing, easily shaped annual plant
Who should skip it
- Gardeners with gardens exposed to intense, direct afternoon sun
- People living in climates with frequent frost or cold winters
- Low-maintenance gardeners who prefer a hands-off plant care routine
Performance breakdown
Foliage Impact
Bordeaux and chartreuse contrast creates a high-drama focal point.
Shade Performance
Reliably brightens dim garden corners where other plants struggle.
Container Versatility
Robust growth habit fills pots quickly for an instant display.
Propagation Ease
Simple tip cuttings make multiplying your collection effortless.
Maintenance Requirements
Regular pinching is necessary to maintain a dense, bushy shape.
Climate Adaptability
Strictly an annual in most regions, limiting long-term garden investment.
Key Specs
Ships as
1 Pint (28.86 CU IN.)
Mature Height
12-18 inches
Spacing
18-24 inches
Hardiness Zone
Annual (Perennial in Zone 10)
Features
- Striking foliage color combination of deep Bordeaux and chartreuse edging.
- Excellent for container gardening, capable of filling a 12-inch pot.
- Versatile light tolerance, performing well in shade but also tolerating sun.
- Encourages branching and compact growth when tips are regularly pinched.
- Easily propagated by taking tip cuttings, which root readily.
- Offers strong visual interest through its unique leaf shape and color.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Coleus 'Garnet Robe' for its stunning, deep burgundy color which provides dramatic contrast in garden beds and containers. Reviewers frequently highlight the plant's exceptional quality upon arrival, noting its robust health and vigorous growth throughout the season. The aesthetic impact and reliability of this variety make it a standout choice for adding rich texture and color, justifying the premium price point.
Know before you buy
While this variety is exceptionally versatile and tolerates sun, it truly thrives in shaded areas. If you live in a region with intense afternoon heat, providing some afternoon shade will help keep the foliage looking its best.
Regularly pinching the tips of the stems is the best way to encourage branching. This simple maintenance practice prevents the plant from becoming leggy and results in a much denser, more compact habit.
Yes, it is an excellent choice for containers. A single plant is vigorous enough to fill a 12-inch pot on its own, though it also pairs beautifully with other foliage plants in larger arrangements.
Coleus 'Garnet Robe' is generally grown as an annual. It is only perennial in Zone 10, so if you live in a colder climate, you will need to treat it as a seasonal plant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
It is very easy to propagate. You can simply take tip cuttings from the plant and place them in water or moist soil, where they will root readily.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$12