Coleus is back in style - gardening - Brief Article

Sunset, June, 2001 by Lauren Bonar Swezey

Splashy leaf colors and forms acid tropical flair to garden beds and containers

During the English cottage garden fad of the 1980s, many gardeners avoided coleus because its brash foliage just didn't fit with their purple-and-pink color schemes. But in recent years, as tropical plants and bolder color schemes have become popular, gardeners have rediscovered the value of coleus in beds and containers.

The growing popularity of this plant has encouraged breeders to develop hybrids in a dazzling array of leaf shapes, colors, and patterns. One specialist, Glasshouse Works, offers around 125 varieties of coleus.

Native to tropical Africa and Asia, coleus (recently reclassified as Solenostemon scutellarioides) is a tender perennial; grow it as an annual in all but the mildest climates. Coleus thrive in warm air and soil temperatures, so June is the perfect time to plant. Look for plants in nurseries or order from one of the mail-order specialists listed on page 88.

Choose among leaf shapes and color variegations

Coleus come in an intriguing range of leaf shapes and markings. Spade-shaped leaves are the most common form; they can be broad like 'Florida Sun Jade' or fairly narrow like 'The Line'. There are kinds with ruffled leaves, such as 'Sunlover Red Ruffles'. For varieties with highly lobed leaves, try the frilly 'Ducksfoot Red' and 'Ducksfoot Yellow'.

Leaf markings range from flecks and splotches such s those on 'freckles' and 'sunlover Cranberry Salad' to nearly solid shades of burgundy and chartreuse.

Use a single kind to highlight a bed or container of flowers. Ou can also create a kaleidoscopic effect in a mass planting of several kinds with complementary leaf colors and patterns.

Mail-order sources

Avant Gardens, 710 High Hill Rd., Dartmouth, MA 02747; (508) 998-8819 or www.avantgardensne.com. Catalog $3 (efundable with first order).

Glasshouse Works, Box 97, Stewart, OH 45778; (740) 662-2142 or www.glasshouseworks.com. Free catalog.

Growing tips

Exposure. In coastal climates, coleus thrive in shade or sun, but pinks and other vivid shades become more intense in brighter light. Farther inland, coleus with darker leaves (burgundy or plum) can tolerate full sun, but chartreuse types may become bleached out. In hot climates, it's best to plant coleus in filtered sun or where they will get afternoon shade. Don't plant coleus in windy areas or where they'll get reflected heat off a building.

Soil. Plant in well-drained garden soil or in raised beds. Amend soil with plenty of compost.

Watering. Water regularly to keep the soil moist, but not wet. Roots rot in soggy soil.

Feeding. Feed with a high-nitrogen fertilizer to promote foliage growth. Avoid fertilizers high in potassium.

Pinching. Some varieties are naturally compact, but others benefit from pinching. If young plants are leggy, pinch off new growth to encourage bushiness. To promote lush, healthy foliage, discourage coleus from blooming by pinching off flower buds as they appear. Many of the newer cutting-grown varieties flower late in the season or not at all. Older seed-grown types usually start flowering earlier.