Annual Perfection With Colorful Coleus

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Joy A. Goforth

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Photo Credit: Joy Goforth

There’s simply no end to the color variations of coleus.

Avid gardeners continually try new cultivars in their landscape, looking for that “perfect” plant. If you’re like me, you’re usually disappointed by midsummer because that expensive, reportedly “showstopping” annual you eagerly purchased in spring doesn’t live up to the glory that was proclaimed on its tag. Well, look no further! Coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides) is the answer to your quest for plant perfection!

I’m a sucker for plants with colorful flowers. But often the plants with the most striking hues only bloom for a short season, usually leaving behind only moderately interesting foliage and spent blooms that need to be removed. Coleus, however, has amazing leaves that come in a literal rainbow of both vibrant and subtle colors. The only one I haven’t observed in this annual is blue, but all of the other colors of the rainbow seem to be represented in any combination imaginable.

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Photo Credit: James H. Schutte

The striking foliage colors of this beautiful annual replace the need for flowers in a shady landscape.

Depending on the variety, coleus can grow anywhere between 6-36 inches tall (with some reportedly reaching 4 feet) and 8-30 inches wide. It works well in a variety of gardening situations, including edging, mixed borders and planting beds.

Is your garden hot and sunny, or is it damp and shady? With coleus, it doesn’t matter! Initially, this annual was the plant that was simply perfect for a shady garden, but now many sun-loving varieties are on the market, too – and they’re equally as striking. (Just be sure to read the tag carefully to ensure you’re purchasing a coleus that’s best suited for your landscape.)

And if you prefer to garden in containers, great news – coleus is also the perfect container candidate! Large, solid-colored plants make a striking backdrop in oversized mixed containers, while smaller, more intricate coleus selections bring wonderful color and interest to any potted planting or hanging basket. And in a medium-sized container, one of the large varieties like ‘Kong’ or ‘Giant Exhibition’ planted by itself creates a wonderful accent to container groupings on a patio, deck or porch.

Warnings

Snails and slugs are the most likely pest to attack your coleus. A simple application of snail and slug bait does a wonderful job of controlling the problem, but always read the product label carefully before use! Many slug and snail control products are toxic to pets!

Faqs

Q: Does coleus produce flowers?
A: Yes, but these small, purple blooms add little to the overall look of the plant. It’s best to pinch them back to redirect the plant’s energy to the leaves instead of to the flowers, so you can keep your coleus full and vibrant all season long.
Q: What’s the best way to propagate coleus?
A: The plant roots quickly and easily from stem cuttings. If you plan your garden early, seeds are also a wonderful option, but you may not get the color variations you’re hoping for.

Resources

Visit our Plant Database for more information on some specific Solenostemon scutellarioides selections.
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