Garden tips on coleus plants

Coleus plants and garden tips

Coleus plants are out to conquer the world... or so it seems, considering the groundswell of new varieties and their growing fan base. Check out our garden tips for coleus plants. Once limited to sun-averse varieties, this genus of tropical plants now offers coleus plants hybrids that flourish in both sun and shade. Talk about broadening your horizons.

Coleus plants varieties

Who would have thought an annual with such little flower power could be so colorful? Green, orange, and red are just a few of the vibrant leaf hues on the coleus color wheel. Choose coleus plants among varieties in one dominant shade, such as purple 'Merlot' and bronze ColorBlaze 'Sedona'. There are multicolor types, too—for example, 'Kiwi Fern'and 'Inky Fingers'display contrasting edges; Electric Lime and 'Gays Delight' have boldly colored veins; and 'Mint Mocha' sports splotches. Leaves can be big or small, smooth or ruffled, and delicately serrated or deeply lobed. Some varieties, such as the 3- to 4-foot-tall Big Red Judy, belong in the back of a border; trailing types such as 'Chocolate Drop' are suited to hanging baskets.

Carry over your favorites coleus plants varieties from year to year, and add a few new varieties each spring, too. Before long, coleuses may just take over your world.

Coleus know-how

SHOPPING

Look for myriad coleus varieties at garden centers in spring—buy only stocky, well-branched plants. Check the plant tag for each cultivar's sun tolerance, height, and spacing requirements. For containers, purchase an all-purpose potting soil.

PLANTING

Coleus needs fertile, well-drained soil for optimal growth. Before planting, loosen garden soil with a spading fork and mix in a gene amount of compost. If planting in spring, wait until all danger of frost has passed.

GROWING

Water as necessary to keep soil moist but not soggy. Containers may need to be watered daily, in the garden, mulch plants to conserve soil moisture and shade out weeds. Feed every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer.

Garden tips for coleus plants

Coleus care

These garden workhorses reed little reining. With just a bit of encouragement, plants fill colorful roles in

and out of the garden.

A PINCH TO GROW ON

Many gardeners remove flowers to keep the focus on foliage and encourage bushier plant

growth.

GREAT COMPANIONS

Coleuses are versatile plant partners. The red- and yellow-flecked foliage of 'Mint Mocha' mirrors the

hues in Rudbeckia Denver Daisy and dwarf purple fountain grass (Penniseturn setaceum). 

INDOOR DECOR

Before first frost, bring potted coleuses, such as 'Black Dragon' indoors to grow as houseplants. Set plants

near a bright east- or west- facing window.

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