Botanical Name: Plectranthus scutellarioides ‘Defiance’ Common Name: Coleus Hardiness Zone: Annual in Most Climates; Perennial in Warm Regions (USDA Zones 10–11) Size: 24–30" Tall × 18–24" Spread Growth Habit: Upright, Strongly Branched, Robust Habit Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade (Excellent Sun and Heat Tolerance) Soil: Prefers Moist, Well-Drained, Organic-Rich Soil Water Needs: Moderate; Consistent Moisture for Best Performance Bloom Season: Grown for Foliage (Spring through Fall) Fertilizer: Light, Regular Feeding During Active Growth Features: Deep Burgundy to Plum Foliage, Exceptional Heat Tolerance, Thick Stems, Long-Lasting Color Uses: Ideal for Landscape Beds, Large Containers, Borders, Mass Plantings, and Bold Color Statements Patent: ✔ Patented Propagation: ❌ Propagation Prohibited Without License

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

More About Coleus ‘Defiance’

‘Defiance’ is not a subtle plant and it doesn’t try to be. The first time I grew it in full sun here in the Upstate, I remember thinking, Well, we’ll see how long that dark color lasts. By mid-July, when most older burgundy coleus would’ve bleached out or crisped at the edges, ‘Defiance’ was still standing there rich, saturated, and unapologetically bold. That deep burgundy-plum foliage has real substance to it. It doesn’t dull, it doesn’t wash out, it holds its intensity all the way through the heat of summer and into fall. 

This is a variety bred for toughness. The stems are thick and supportive, and the branching is strong right from the start. It naturally grows upright with a solid, architectural presence. I appreciate that it doesn’t get floppy or hollow in the center the way some older types can. Even as the season progresses, it stays full, sturdy, and structured. In beds, it provides real backbone. In containers, it gives you that dark anchor that makes everything else look more vibrant. There’s also something timeless about a deep burgundy Coleus done right.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, Coleus ‘Defiance’ has been one of the most reliable dark-leaf coleus for full-sun conditions. It roots in quickly, builds size steadily, and keeps its structure without constant pinching. Even during stretches of 95-degree days with heavy humidity, the foliage remained richly colored rather than fading to a muddy tone. One Summer we planted it in a long run along a sunny walkway, alternating it with bright chartreuse Coleus. The contrast was dramatic, almost theatrical. Customers would stop and comment on how “clean” the color combination looked. 

‘Defiance’ creates instant depth. It makes neighboring plants look sharper and more intentional. From a design standpoint, it excels as a grounding element. Use it as a container anchor, a bold backdrop in mixed beds, or plant it en masse for a wave of deep, saturated color. It pairs beautifully with chartreuse foliage, silvers, hot pinks, bright reds, and even soft pastels. If you need a coleus that brings strength, contrast, and dependable sun performance, ‘Defiance’ absolutely lives up to its name.

Coleus ‘Defiance’ vs. Other Coleus

‘Defiance’ is one of the boldest upright coleus available, rivaling ‘Main Street Beale Street’ and ‘Down Town® Greenville’ in depth but exceeding them in intensity. Its color saturation makes it a true focal plant. The foliage reads dense and powerful from a distance, holding visual weight even in large beds. This makes Defiance especially effective where a strong anchor plant is needed.

Compared to ‘Main Street Wall Street’’, Defiance is less controlled but far more dramatic. Wall Street prioritizes form and predictability, while Defiance embraces boldness and visual impact. This difference makes Defiance better suited for expressive plantings rather than formal designs. 

Against lime varieties like ‘ChargedUp™ Electric Lime’ and ‘Volcanica™ Wasabi’, Defiance provides the darkness needed to make those colors shine. Defiance provides the darkness needed to make those colors shine. The deep tones intensify surrounding brightness through contrast. Used together, Defiance helps lime varieties read cleaner, sharper, and more vibrant.