Botanical Name: Plectranthus scutellarioides ‘Meandering Linda’ Common Name: Coleus Hardiness Zone: Annual in Most Climates; Perennial in Warm Regions (USDA Zones 10–11) Size: 6–12" Tall × 24–36" Spread Growth Habit: Trailing, Spreading, Cascading Habit Sunlight: Partial Shade to Full Shade; Tolerates Gentle Morning Sun Soil: Prefers Moist, Well-Drained, Organic-Rich Soil Water Needs: Moderate; Even Moisture for Best Performance Bloom Season: Grown for Foliage (Spring through Fall) Fertilizer: Light, Regular Feeding During Active Growth Features: Deep Burgundy-Purple Foliage, Fine Textured Leaves, Naturally Trailing Growth Uses: Ideal for Hanging Baskets, Containers, Window Boxes, Edging, and Spilling Over Walls Patent: ❌ Not Patented Propagation: ✔ Propagation Permitted

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

More About Coleus ‘Meandering Linda’

Coleus ‘Meandering Linda’ stands apart from traditional upright coleus thanks to its naturally trailing, wandering growth habit. Rather than forming a dense mound, it spreads outward and cascades gracefully, making it an excellent choice for containers and elevated plantings. The foliage is a rich burgundy-purple, providing depth and contrast wherever it spills.

Its color reads strongest in shade and filtered light, where the leaves maintain their saturated tones without fading. The finer leaf texture gives the plant a softer, more fluid look compared to larger-leaf coleus, allowing it to blend seamlessly into mixed plantings while still delivering bold color.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, ‘Meandering Linda’ has been exceptionally reliable as a trailing coleus. It establishes quickly, begins spilling early in the season, and continues to elongate steadily without becoming leggy. Unlike upright coleus that require pinching to shape, this variety naturally follows its cascading form.

From a design perspective, it fills a unique niche. ‘Meandering Linda’ works beautifully as a spiller in mixed containers, softening edges and adding movement. We especially like pairing it with upright foliage plants or flowering annuals, where its dark trailing foliage provides contrast without overpowering the composition.

Meandering Linda vs. Other Coleus

As a true trailing Coleus, ‘Meandering Linda’ immediately separates itself from upright varieties like ‘Main Street Wall Street’, ‘Defiance’, and ‘Main Street Beale Street’. Its cascading habit makes it ideal for baskets and container edges where upright types simply don’t function. Meandering Linda naturally softens hard container lines by spilling gracefully over edges.

Compared to trailing-leaning selections like ‘Bonnie Gold’ and ‘Pineapple’, Meandering Linda is more dramatic and directional. Where those varieties mound and spill, Linda actively drapes and flows. This stronger trailing behavior gives it a more intentional, designed appearance rather than a casual sprawl.

Against upright lime varieties such as ‘ChargedUp™ Electric Lime’ and ‘Volcanica™ Wasabi’, Meandering Linda introduces movement rather than color dominance, making it invaluable in mixed containers. For gardeners looking for a true trailing coleus that adds motion, softness, and elegance to containers and hanging baskets, ‘Meandering Linda’ is an excellent choice.