Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Colorful Coleus!



When in doubt, add foliage!  Containers or flower beds, small or large, that's one of my rules- and the advice I pass along most.  A colorful foliage plant is a fabulous addition to any combination.  It provides consistent visual contrast and interest (without relying on flowers!).  

Coleus is great for all of these things!  Over the years we have grown oodles of coleus.  This season alone we have over 30 varieties in a rainbow of colors and varigations.  However it seems that no matter how many funky kinds there are, there are some standard colors that we reach for over and over...and over!  

The past few years we have been repeatedly impressed with the lineup that Ball seed has cultivated.  They have come out with a really nice lineup that has the colors we depend on, plus the durability we like to see throughout the season.

Anyway, these five varieties are just really solid plants- and the colors are exactly what we love to use!



Coleus Redhead
2 to 6 hours of sun; 18-30"

A rich, gorgeous red.  Like most others in this lineup it will take between two and six hours of sun...that's a big window!

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Coleus Campfire
6 or more hours of sun; 18-30"

One of my personal favorites- the bright orange almost glows!  Of the five coleus listed here, Campfire prefers the most sun.

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Coleus Wasabi
2 to 6 hours of sun; 18-30"

Oh, Wasabi!  We would be devastated not to have Wasabi to work with.  You can spot that chartreuse from a mile away, if not two!

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Coleus Vino
2 to 6 hours of sun; 18-30"

Sometimes you just need something dark!  Vino is a fabulous foil for other flowering plants and really allows them to 'pop'.

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Coleus Coleosaurus
2 to 6 hours of sun; 24-36"

Coleosaurus is the tallest of the bunch (hence the name!).  Its versatile, vibrant coloring serves as either a neutral or a feature plant in a combination.

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If you're familiar with coleus, you know this is barely scratching the surface...but these five are a great place to start!  

-Anna Mary



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