Versatile Coleus
Coleus has always been one of my favorite foliage plants. I really enjoy its cheery, bright leaves. It’s such a versatile plant, it can look beautiful in the shade or in full sun.
Coleus is a relatively easy to care for annual, that looks good all summer. To keep your coleus from getting leggy, simply pinch off the tops once in a while. Pinching off the top of the plant will help your coleus branch out, and keep it from getting tall and leggy.
Coleus prefers rich well drained soil, and like most plants it does not do well in waterlogged soil. Many varieties enjoy sun or partly sunny locations, but read the label. A few traditional varieties enjoy the shade more than they do full sun.
Coleus can also make a great container plant. It adds a color splash to most container combinations. It works great in hanging baskets if you keep the tops pinched back, and force the plant to grow out.
Coleus is actually a tender perennial, so it does very well as a houseplant during the winter. If you’re really enjoying your coleus’ cheery color, bring the plant in at the end of summer and place it in a sunny window. It will reward you with color and cheer all winter long. Again, keep the leaves pinched back to keep the plant from looking scraggly.
Coleus does not suffer from too many pests, but it can occasionally get an infestation of aphids, or mites. Give the leaves a spritz with insecticidal soap, or a mixture of Fels Naptha soap and water.
My favorite coleus variety is the one pictured above, I love the maroon to plum color with the ruffled edges. What’s your favorite color or variety of coleus?
Images via stock.xchnge
Related Stories
POSTED IN: Annuals, Houseplants, How to Grow Stuff
0 opinions for Versatile Coleus
No one has left a comment yet. You know what this means, right? You could be first!
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: