by Cindy Jungman, SDSU Extension Master Gardener
Coleus plants can range so much in size, color, leaf shape, and upright vs. trailing habit. I love to combine all the textures, colors, and growth habits in my coleus containers. Coleus plants can make a shady spot pop with color! Coleus container groupings provide a lush view.
RECIPE:
This photo consists of four containers, each with 3-5 coleus plants. Some of my coleus plants originated 10-15 years ago, so I do not have all their names. Among my favorite named varieties are:
• Pineapple Splash
• Riverwalk
• Burgundy Wedding Train
• Wildfire Blaze
• Sedona
• Limon Blush
• Spiced Curry
• Terra Nova Marrakesh
• Chocolate Drop
• Flamethrower Chipotle
• Sea Red Urchin
TIPS:
• Read your plant labels! It is important to know if your coleus plant needs shade or can handle sun.
• Coleus plants like warm weather and new plants really struggle in cool, wet conditions. Take your time setting out your coleus containers.
• Coleus plants labeled “Sun” can handle several hours of full sun, but rarely can a coleus plant tolerate full sun all day. The containers in this photo are on the west side of my house, but on the north side of a fence, so they get only a little late afternoon sun.
• I elevated the back container to give height to the grouping.
• Click here to go to a PDF version of this post. https://sdsu.box.com/s/5r1bkg0ewqumi1a76tp2ip06cj2hhuvc
