Coleus, a colourful 'comeback' plant

Heat-loving coleus are making a serious comeback.  These versatile plants gave my containers real punch last season; I know they will be a go-to plant again this year. 

Versatile coleus are as happy in a container as in open ground

Much prized as foliage plants in the Victorian era, coleus originate from tropical Southeast Asia – especially Indonesia and Sri Lanka – as well as Africa, India and Australia.  In these locations, they grow as a herbaceous perennial.  In North America – where we have no true tropical conditions – they are grown as an annual. 

The old varieties your grandmother grew now have exciting cousins.  Plant developers have expanded on the natural variation in leaf colour, shape or pattern, and today, the range of cultivated varieties now available in nurseries is amazing.

Colours "range from deep, velvety crimsons and purples to gentle pinks; from screaming oranges and scarlets to delicate creams and yellow-greens. Individual leaves may be solid or veined, flecked, or bordered with contrasting colors," says Ray Rogers in his book, Coleus: Rainbow Foliage for Containers and Gardens. 

Here are eight beautiful varieties to illustrate the point.

'Black Magic'

'Wasabi'

'Velvet Mocha'

'Pete's Wonder'

'Garnet Robe'

'Freckles'

'Sedona'

'Henna'

Container planting with coleus, early in the season

Traditionally, we think of coleus as preferring shade – and they are useful in the shade where colour and contrast can be harder to achieve – but many of the new varieties are quite tolerant of sun. 

Their growth habit does vary, though.  Some (like 'Henna' pictured above, and in the container, right) grow in an upright form, some grow in a mounding form, and some creep or trail.  These habits are exactly what makes coleus so valuable as both a bedding and container plant.

You are welcome to download the recipe for this container featuring 'Henna'.  I call it Scheherazade. Look for the file in The Potting Shed.

---

---

Basic Growing Tips for Coleus

As bedding plants:

• All coleus prefer evenly moist garden soil.
• Fertilize ONCE a month with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
  

As container plants:

• Keep soil evenly moist, but avoid over watering.
• Monitor light intensity. Although sun-tolerant, variations in exposure can have a dramatic impact on leaf color.  'Wasabi' for instance, will bleach if the light is too intense.
  
• Incorporate a timed-release fertilizer at planting time.
• Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks.

• Most gardeners remove the small lavender-blue flowers these plants produce.  
• Pinching back is key to promoting fuller growth.

Watch this short demonstration of pinching back coleus.

---

One more note ... Coleus plants will not withstand frost.  They can be overwintered indoors in a sunny location, but many gardeners prefer to take cuttings in the early fall.  Coleus does root readily.  If you have coleus growing indoors, now is the time to take new cuttings in preparation for warmer days.

---

Want to learn more? 
Check out this article with tips on starting plants from cuttings:  Crazy For Coleus: History and Care
Photo credits:
Top coleus container - South Pleasant Nursery
Coleus varieties - White Flower Farm
Container featuring 'Henna' - therebloomsagarden.com

---