Botanical Name: Plectranthus scutellarioides ‘Bonnie Gold’

Common Name: Coleus

Hardiness Zone: Annual in Most Climates; Perennial in Warm Regions (USDA Zones 10–11)

Size: 16–24" Tall × 18–24" Spread

Growth Habit: Upright, Bushy, Well-Branched Habit

Sunlight: Partial Shade to Full Shade; Tolerates Morning Sun

Soil: Prefers Moist, Well-Drained, Organic-Rich Soil

Water Needs: Moderate; Even Moisture for Best Color

Bloom Season: Grown for Foliage (Spring through Fall)

Fertilizer: Light, Regular Feeding During Active Growth

Features: Golden-Yellow to Chartreuse Foliage with Subtle Red Veining, Bright Color in Shade, Classic Coleus Look

Uses: Ideal for Containers, Shaded Beds, Borders, Accent Plantings, and Brightening Dark Areas

Patent: ❌ Not Patented

Propagation: ✔ Propagation Permitted

See our complete Coleus Plant Guide for in depth care details.

More About Coleus ‘Bonnie Gold’

‘Bonnie Gold’ is one of those Coleus varieties that instantly lifts a shaded space. Its warm golden-yellow foliage has a glow to it that is luminous and refined. In lower light conditions, especially in those north-facing beds or tucked-away patio containers, it almost seems to light up from within. Around here, I’m always looking for plants that brighten shade without looking washed out, and ‘Bonnie Gold’ does that beautifully. The leaf color reads clean and cheerful rather than overpowering. That subtle red veining running through the center of each leaf adds just enough depth to keep it interesting. 

When planted in filtered light or part shade, the color holds steady and vibrant throughout the season. Too much harsh afternoon sun can cause stress, but give it protection during the hottest part of the day, and it absolutely shines. Growth-wise, ‘Bonnie Gold’ forms a full, bushy plant with strong natural branching. It develops a balanced, rounded silhouette that works well in containers or garden beds. It doesn’t get lanky or uneven, and with light pinching early on, it fills out into a tidy, substantial plant that anchors a planting without dominating it.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, Coleus ‘Bonnie Gold’ has been one of the most dependable bright-foliage Coleus for shade. It establishes quickly, fills containers evenly, and keeps its color intensity even through humid Southern Summers. Unlike some lighter-colored Coleus that can scorch or fade if light conditions aren’t just right, ‘Bonnie Gold’ has shown impressive stability when given the proper filtered light. I remember using it in a shaded courtyard container with dark purple Coleus and deep green ferns. The gold foliage created contrast that felt warm and inviting rather than sharp. 

Customers kept commenting on how “happy” the container looked — and that’s exactly the word I’d use. It brings warmth to shade in a way that feels intentional and polished. From a design standpoint, ‘Bonnie Gold’ works as a natural highlighter. It pairs beautifully with burgundy, purple, navy, deep green, and even blue-toned foliage, creating contrast without overwhelming the composition. We especially like using it as a mid-layer accent in mixed containers or repeating it in shaded borders to create rhythm and cohesion. It’s a reliable brightener that earns its place season after season.

Bonnie Gold vs. Other Coleus

‘Bonnie Gold’ occupies the middle ground between trailing and upright coleus, offering more flexibility than strict trailers like ‘Meandering Linda’ but more movement than rigid forms like ‘Main Street Wall Street’. This in-between habit allows it to adapt easily to both containers and landscape beds without looking out of place. Compared to other gold-toned varieties like ‘Pineapple’ and ‘ChargedUp™ Electric Lime’, Bonnie Gold reads warmer and softer. It blends rather than contrasts.

This makes it especially useful in designs where foliage needs to complement flowering plants instead of competing with them. Against bolder varieties such as ‘Down Town® Vegas Neon’, Bonnie Gold is calmer and more traditional, making it ideal for conservative plantings. For gardeners looking for a versatile gold-toned coleus that blends beautifully while still adding warmth and texture, ‘Bonnie Gold’ is a dependable choice.