Coleus (Plectranthus 'Balcenna' HENNA)

Overview

Plectranthus ‘Balcenna’ HENNA, commonly known as Coleus, is prized by gardeners not for its flowers, but for its exceptionally dynamic and colorful foliage. This cultivar stands out with vibrant chartreuse leaves beautifully marked by copper-pink splotches and rich burgundy undersides, providing season-long visual interest. While hardy only in the warmest zones, it serves admirably as a low-maintenance annual in most US gardening climates. The rich coloration of this Plectranthus ‘Balcenna’ HENNA ensures it remains a focal point in beds and containers, often overshadowing traditional flowering plants.

This versatile plant establishes quickly and offers a dense, bushy habit, making it perfect for filling gaps or softening edges in landscape designs. Although the genus Plectranthus comprises many forms, the hybrid Coleus varieties like ‘Balcenna’ HENNA have been specifically developed for intense foliar performance. Gardeners appreciate the generally low maintenance requirements, needing only consistent moisture and occasional pinching to maximize bushiness.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Lamiaceae
• Plant Type: Annual
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 10-11
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 1.25-2.25 ft
  • Spread: 1.5-1.75 ft
• Bloom Time: Flowers not showy
• Bloom Description: Pale lavender
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

For the best performance, plant Plectranthus ‘Balcenna’ HENNA where it receives part shade, especially protection from harsh afternoon sun, though some cultivars manage full sun better than others. The key to thriving plants is ensuring the soil is evenly moist and highly well-draining. In regions outside Zones 10-11, treat this beautiful Coleus as a tender annual, purchasing starter plants from nurseries in late spring after all danger of frost has passed.

Water requirements are medium; aim for consistent soil moisture without allowing the plant to become waterlogged, utilizing well-draining containers or garden soil. Maintenance is straightforward. To develop a much bushier, fuller plant shape, regularly pinch back the growing stems. This practice also removes the terminal spikes of small, pale lavender flowers, which are generally not showy and can detract from the primary ornamental feature: the leaves.

Overwintering is possible for dedicated container gardeners. Before the first fall frost, bring favorite Coleus plants inside to grow as houseplants, or simply dig them up and pot them. Alternatively, take cuttings from your prized Plectranthus ‘Balcenna’ HENNA in the fall; these root extremely easily in a glass of water or directly in clean potting soil, providing free replacements for the following season.

Landscape Uses

The vibrant foliage of this Coleus variety makes the Plectranthus ‘Balcenna’ HENNA an exceptional bedding plant, delivering consistent annual color where flowering perennials struggle. Its manageable height of up to 2.25 feet allows it to feature prominently in the middle or back of mixed borders. Furthermore, its trailing nature when grown in hanging baskets or containers makes it perfect for adding drama to decks and patios. Consider pairing it with deep purple foliage plants or fine-textured white or yellow annuals to maximize the contrast with its chartruese and copper hues.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Insignificant

Noteworthy Characteristics

Plectranthus is a genus of about 350 species of annuals, evergreen perennials, semi-succulents and shrubs from Africa, Madagascar, Asia, Australasia and Pacific Islands. Commonly called coleus, hybrid cultivars are widely grown as ornamentals. An almost infinite number of leaf color combinations are available including most colors of the spectrum except true blue. The specific cultivar ‘Balcenna’ features chartreuse foliage with contrasting copper-pink splotches and burgundy undersides, with deeply serrated, slightly ruffled leaf margins revealing that dark underside. Commonly sold at nurseries and garden centers under the name HENNA, this plant derives its genus name from Greek words referring to the spur-shaped flowers of some members.

Tolerances

• No serious insect or disease problems. Watch for mealybugs and mites

Potential Problems

This Plectranthus ‘Balcenna’ HENNA cultivar is generally robust, with no serious recurring insect or disease pressures noted in standard cultivation. Gardeners should remain vigilant for occasional infestations of common houseplant and ornamental pests, particularly mealybugs and spider mites, especially if moving plants indoors for winter storage. Prompt identification and treatment, often involving horticultural soap or neem oil, will typically resolve minor outbreaks before they impact the overall health and appearance of your Coleus.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Coleus suitable for?

Plectranthus ‘Balcenna’ HENNA is only reliably hardy in USDA Zones 10 and 11. In cooler climates (Zones 9 and below), it must be grown as an annual or taken indoors for overwintering.

How large does Plectranthus ‘Balcenna’ HENNA grow?

Mature plants typically reach heights between 1.25 to 2.25 feet tall, with a spread ranging narrowly from 1.5 to 1.75 feet wide, providing a decent structural presence in containers.

What sun exposure does Coleus need?

This plant thrives best when situated in partial shade, though some Coleus cultivars can tolerate conditions ranging from full sun to deeper shade, depending on the specific strain.

Conclusion

The Plectranthus ‘Balcenna’ HENNA offers spectacular, durable foliage color perfect for adding immediate impact to annual displays or containers. Its low maintenance profile ensures gardeners can enjoy the unique chartreuse and copper tones without excessive fuss. Before planting, verify your local hardiness zone or plan ahead for overwintering this beloved Coleus variety to enjoy its stunning appearance year after year.

Propagation Tips for Plectranthus ‘Balcenna’ HENNA

One of the easiest ways to ensure you have this beautiful Coleus next season is through simple vegetative propagation. In late summer or early fall, take stem tip cuttings, ensuring each section has a few leaf nodes. These cuttings root readily when placed in a glass of clear water, often showing new root development within two weeks.

For a larger batch of new plants, you can root cuttings directly into sterile potting soil. Keep the soil consistently moist and place the potted cuttings in bright, indirect light, avoiding direct scorching sun until roots have fully established. This technique is especially useful if you plan on bringing several rooted Plectranthus ‘Balcenna’ HENNA plants inside to survive the winter as houseplants.

Design Ideas for Bold Foliage

The unique palette of Plectranthus ‘Balcenna’ HENNA—bright chartreuse laced with copper-pink—makes it an excellent “thriller” in mixed containers or a vibrant mid-layer element in the landscape. Design pairings that utilize contrasting textures are highly effective. Try combining it with fine-textured silver foliage plants, such as dusty miller, or dark, solid-colored companions like deep burgundy sweet potato vine to make the ‘Balcenna’ coloration truly pop.

When using this Coleus in borders, plant groupings of three or five for a more substantial visual impact rather than scattering single specimens. Because its structure is mounded and slightly upright, it pairs well with low-growing edging plants. Remember that since the flowers are insignificant, the design focus remains entirely on the extraordinary leaf patterns throughout the season.