did you know?

Coleus, which was highly prized by Victorians, is enjoying a renewal in popularity. In the mid- to late-19th century, coleus was used extensively along with other flamboyantly colored foliage plants to create great swaths of color.

general maintenance:

Pinch off stems of young plants and flower buds of older plants to encourage bushiness. Remove plants after frost in Zone 9 and colder.

pests/diseases:

Coleus are relatively disease and pest resistant.

how to sow/plant:

Sow seed indoors, lightly pressed into soil (seeds need light to germinate), 6?8 weeks before last frost. Keep warm and moist. Transplant outdoors after danger of frost has passed, in a sunny or partly sunny site with fertile, well-drained soil. Sow direct where perennial. Water after planting and mulch to conserve moisture.

water and fertilize:

Monitor soil moisture all season. In containers, let soil become slightly dry between waterings. Feed biweekly with a balanced water-soluble or slow-release fertilizer, following label directions.

garden hint:

Coleus are easy to propagate. At the end of the season, overwinter favorite plants by taking cuttings and placing them in water. When roots form, carefully pot up cuttings.

features:

• Disease Resistant
• Shade Tolerant

garden uses:

• Containers
• Flowerbed borders
• Indoors
• Shade Woodland Garden

other uses:

• Cut Flower (use foliage)

combine with:

other plants known for their foliage such as purple sweet-potato vine ( 'Blackie'), canna, or ivy and flowering annuals such as verbena, zinnia, and Egyptian star cluster