Coleus (Plectranthus COLORBLAZE ROYALE CHERRY BRANDY)

Overview

Plectranthus COLORBLAZE ROYALE CHERRY BRANDY is a highly valued ornamental cherished for its striking foliage rather than its blooms. This specific cultivar of Coleus provides deep, rich burgundy-red color perfect for adding year-round focal points in the garden, provided temperatures remain warm. Belonging to the vast Plectranthus genus, this plant thrives as a summer annual in most climates but offers potential as an overwintered houseplant in cooler regions.

This Coleus variety exhibits an upright, bushy growth habit, maturing to a manageable size ideal for borders and containers. Its low maintenance needs and adaptability to conditions ranging from full sun to partial shade make Plectranthus COLORBLAZE ROYALE CHERRY BRANDY an excellent choice for gardeners seeking high visual impact with minimal fuss. Focus should always remain on maintaining the spectacular leaf display.

The striking visual appeal of this Coleus contributes significantly to container designs and bedding schemes where consistent leaf color is desired over fleeting flowers. Growing Plectranthus COLORBLAZE ROYALE CHERRY BRANDY allows for easy seasonal rotation or simple propagation for expansion next year.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Lamiaceae
• Plant Type: Annual
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 10-11
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 1.75-2.75 ft
  • Spread: 1.5-2 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

Planting should occur after all danger of frost has passed, typically purchased as inexpensive starter plants in spring. Plectranthus COLORBLAZE ROYALE CHERRY BRANDY thrives best when situated in evenly moist, well-draining soil, though specific cultivars, including this one, often handle more direct sunlight than older Coleus varieties. For the bushiest form and to maximize leaf production, actively pinch back the stems throughout the growing season.

Water requirements are medium; aim to keep the soil consistently moist but never saturated. Heavy watering followed by extended dry periods stresses the plant. Fertilizing is usually only necessary if planting in very poor soil, but generally, the focus is on pruning for shape. Remember that the small, pale lavender blooms are typically not showy and can be removed to direct energy back into the foliage.

Gardeners in Zones 10-11 can enjoy this plant as an enduring perennial. For those in cooler areas, actively plan for overwintering favorite specimens. In the fall before the first frost, containers can be brought indoors, or favorite plants can be carefully dug, potted, and treated as houseplants.

Cuttings are incredibly easy to root directly in a glass of water or in standard potting mix, providing a simple, virtually free method of propagation for next season or for starting new houseplants. Alternatively, seed strains can be started indoors 8-12 weeks before the last frost date.

Landscape Uses

Plectranthus COLORBLAZE ROYALE CHERRY BRANDY excels as a vibrant bedding plant, providing consistent annual color right up until frost kills the tender foliage. Due to its medium height and bushy texture, it works wonderfully as a mid-border element or as a substantial thriller in mixed containers and hanging baskets on decks or patios.

When designing mixed planters, pair the deep burgundy-red of this Coleus with contrasting bright chartreuse or silver foliage plants to enhance its dramatic coloring. In the landscape, use it to create bold lines along walkways or foundation edges where winter hardiness is not expected. If you reside in Zone 10 or 11, it can anchor perennial borders, offering reliable, low-maintenance structure.

Container growing is particularly popular for this plant, as it allows non-hardy gardeners to easily move the entire display indoors when cold weather threatens. Treat it as an accent specimen or a colorful filler surrounded by trailing annuals.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Insignificant

Noteworthy Characteristics

Plectranthus is a vast genus commonly known as Coleus, famous for its nearly infinite array of leaf colors. COLORBLAZE ROYALE CHERRY BRANDY is specifically recognized for its deep burgundy-red foliage, featuring pleasantly rounded teeth along the leaf margins. This cultivar grows upright, reaching nearly 3 feet tall with a 2-foot spread, maintaining dense, attractive habit throughout the warm season. While it produces small terminal spikes of pale lavender flowers, these blooms are generally inconspicuous and often omitted during routine maintenance.

Tolerances

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

Potential Problems

This Coleus variety generally exhibits excellent resistance to serious pests and diseases, contributing to its low maintenance profile. The primary concerns that dedicated gardeners should monitor for are common houseplant pests that thrive in warm, humid conditions. Regularly inspect the underside of the leaves and stem joints for signs of mealybugs or spider mites, particularly if the plant is kept indoors for overwintering.

If an infestation occurs, physical removal (wiping off small numbers) combined with horticultural soap or neem oil applications usually resolves the issue quickly. Ensuring good air circulation, especially when overwintering indoors, reduces the likelihood of fungal issues developing alongside pest populations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Coleus suitable for?

Plectranthus COLORBLAZE ROYALE CHERRY BRANDY is officially hardy only in USDA Zones 10 and 11, where it can potentially be grown year-round. For gardeners outside these zones, it is best treated as a tender annual.

How large does Plectranthus COLORBLAZE ROYALE CHERRY BRANDY grow?

Mature plants typically reach a height between 1.75 and 2.75 feet, with a spread covering 1.5 to 2 feet, taking on a handsome, bushy stature.

What sun exposure does Coleus need?

This specific cultivar performs well across a range, needing anywhere from full sun to standard part shade conditions to maintain the richest leaf color.

Conclusion

Plectranthus COLORBLAZE ROYALE CHERRY BRANDY offers superlative, low-effort color for beds and containers thanks to its richly pigmented, burgundy-red Coleus foliage. Its upright, bushy habit makes it a dependable structural element throughout the season. Before planting, confirm your local hardiness zone, or plan now for easy propagation to ensure you enjoy the beauty of this favorite Coleus next year.

Propagation Tips

Taking cuttings from your Plectranthus COLORBLAZE ROYALE CHERRY BRANDY is the easiest and fastest way to preserve favorite plants or expand your collection. These stems root readily, making propagation success almost guaranteed. Use clean shears to remove 4- to 6-inch tip cuttings, ensuring the bottom leaves are stripped off before setting them in water or moist potting medium.

Water rooting allows you to watch the development of the white roots before transplanting, which usually takes only a couple of weeks in warm conditions. If using soil, keep the medium lightly moist and place the cutting in a bright location, avoiding harsh direct afternoon sun until roots are established. This simple technique ensures you always have healthy Coleus stock available.

Companion Planting

Due to the deep, saturated tones of Plectranthus COLORBLAZE ROYALE CHERRY BRANDY, it pairs exceptionally well with plants offering bright contrast. Consider using companions with silvery-white, lime-green, or bright yellow foliage to make the burgundy truly pop. Plants like sweet potato vine (‘Margarita’ or ‘La La Lime’) or dusty miller provide excellent textural and color balance in containers.

Since this Coleus requires medium, consistent moisture and well-drained soil, look for other annuals that share similar cultural needs for sunny to partly shaded spots. Impatiens or begonias are suitable partners in shadier spots, while calibrachoa or calibrachoa work well if you plan to place your Plectranthus COLORBLAZE ROYALE CHERRY BRANDY where it receives more direct sun.