Coleus vs David Austin Rose

Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?

Coleus

Coleus scutellarioides

Lamiaceae · flowers

Low Maintenance

David Austin Rose

Rosa 'Graham Thomas'

Rosaceae · flowers

Medium Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Coleus (Zones 10-11)

David Austin Rose (Zones 5-10)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 10–10

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Coleus	David Austin Rose
Scientific Name	Coleus scutellarioides	Rosa 'Graham Thomas'
Family	Lamiaceae	Rosaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Well-drained
Height	2'	5'
Spread	1' 6"	4'
Bloom Season	Summer	Spring-Fall
Bloom Color	Blue (insignificant)	Yellow
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	Southeast Asia	Hybrid (England)
Maintenance	Low	Medium

Special Traits

Coleus

No — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

David Austin Rose

No — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Coleus

✓Pinch flowers to encourage leaf growth.
✓Modern varieties are more sun tolerant.
✓Root cuttings easily in water.
✓Pinch growing tips for bushy form.
✓Bring indoors as houseplant.

David Austin Rose

✓Prune to shape in late winter.
✓Benefits from regular feeding.
✓Provide good air circulation.
✓Can be trained as a short climber on pillar or wall.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Coleus if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in part shade with medium water in zones 10–11.

Choose David Austin Rose if you don't mind medium maintenance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 5–10.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 10–10. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View ColeusProfile →View David Austin RoseProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Coleus and David Austin Rose grow in the same hardiness zone?

Coleus grows in USDA zones 10-11, while David Austin Rose grows in zones 5-10. Both plants can grow together in zones 10 through 10.

Do Coleus and David Austin Rose have the same sun and water needs?

Coleus needs part shade and medium water, while David Austin Rose needs full sun and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Coleus or David Austin Rose?

David Austin Rose grows taller at 5' compared to Coleus at 2'. David Austin Rose spreads 4' while Coleus spreads 1' 6".

Are Coleus and David Austin Rose deer resistant?

Neither Coleus nor David Austin Rose is considered deer resistant. In areas with deer, consider protective fencing or deer repellent for both plants.

Which is easier to maintain, Coleus or David Austin Rose?

Coleus has low maintenance while David Austin Rose has medium maintenance. Coleus may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Coleus	David Austin Rose
Scientific Name	Coleus scutellarioides	Rosa 'Graham Thomas'
Family	Lamiaceae	Rosaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Well-drained
Height	2'	5'
Spread	1' 6"	4'
Bloom Season	Summer	Spring-Fall
Bloom Color	Blue (insignificant)	Yellow
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	Southeast Asia	Hybrid (England)
Maintenance	Low	Medium

Care Tips

Coleus

✓Pinch flowers to encourage leaf growth.
✓Modern varieties are more sun tolerant.
✓Root cuttings easily in water.
✓Pinch growing tips for bushy form.
✓Bring indoors as houseplant.

David Austin Rose

✓Prune to shape in late winter.
✓Benefits from regular feeding.
✓Provide good air circulation.
✓Can be trained as a short climber on pillar or wall.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Coleus if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in part shade with medium water in zones 10–11.

Choose David Austin Rose if you don't mind medium maintenance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 5–10.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 10–10. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Coleus and David Austin Rose grow in the same hardiness zone?

Coleus grows in USDA zones 10-11, while David Austin Rose grows in zones 5-10. Both plants can grow together in zones 10 through 10.

Do Coleus and David Austin Rose have the same sun and water needs?

Coleus needs part shade and medium water, while David Austin Rose needs full sun and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Coleus or David Austin Rose?

David Austin Rose grows taller at 5' compared to Coleus at 2'. David Austin Rose spreads 4' while Coleus spreads 1' 6".

Are Coleus and David Austin Rose deer resistant?

Neither Coleus nor David Austin Rose is considered deer resistant. In areas with deer, consider protective fencing or deer repellent for both plants.

Which is easier to maintain, Coleus or David Austin Rose?

Coleus has low maintenance while David Austin Rose has medium maintenance. Coleus may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.