Dan's Papers - June 22, 2007 - The Garden At Rock Cottage

At Rock Cottage, we always have examples of coleus in the garden - those lovely annuals that produce colorful leaves in shades of green, yellow, pink, maroon and red. Because they only live one season, they quickly fill in partly shady to shady locations. Coleus must be the hybridizers dream, as cuttings and seeds sprout easily. New introductions of this plant appear yearly and improve on leaf texture, color combinations and tolerance of sunlight. Hybridizing has increased the number of garden locations and variety of uses for this versatile plant.

The brilliant and varied leaf colors make this plant a natural for garden experimentation. Including the leaves among perennials along with other leaf textures can produce exciting schemes and the plant can be quite effective as a contrast to more mundane green colors. The Victorians relied heavily on coleus for its patterned leaves and freely used the plants in both containers and garden beds.

Coleus vary in sizes ranging from smaller types that reach about a foot tall to very busy plants that can grow three feet tall. There are also sprawling types suitable for hanging baskets and wall planters, some of which may send out shoots of up to five feet long.

Coleus grows best in part shade or dappled sunlight. In fact, the colors of the leaves seem to intensify when planted in shadier garden locations. Some of the new cultivars in the market will thrive in full, hot sun. Those that are not rated for sun tend to bleach out and discolor from sun exposure, though the plants may still send forth leave.

This is not a plant for the bog or wet garden. To do well, coleus must have good soil drainage. Poorly drained soils and over watering of this plant will damage it. The resulting plants will be stunted, the leaves may turn a muddy brown color and the leaves will tend to scorch in any light.

As with all annuals, coleus is best in well-prepared soil that is nutrient rich. Prepare flowerbeds on the East End by adding in peat moss or compost to improve the organic quality of the soil, especially in gardens that are sandy. The plants seem to benefit from a slightly neutral or alkaline pH, so the addition of garden lime is helpful in most East End gardens. A single flat of coleus will produce a stunning garden display when planted en masse about eight inches apart.

Plant the seedlings at the same level that they are growing, or even a little deeper. If some of the leaves break off during planting, just stick these into the soil - coleus grows roots easily, so broken stems are likely to root and become new plants.

Do not allow the plants to dry out during the fist two weeks after planting. During this period of time, keep the soil moist but not overly wet. It will also promote root growth of any broken stems that were planted. After the first two weeks, water only when the top inch of soil is dry by checking with your finger every few days. If you plant coleus in containers or wall planters, remember that they will be more susceptible to drying out and may require more frequent watering. Pinch the center stems when the plants are about six inches tall to induce bushier growth and to encourage density. Fertilizing mid-June and again in July and August with a fish emulsion fertilizer to promote lush growth and vibrant colors in the plants.

Be sure to pick off the flower spikes as they form in late summer. Many people dislike their appearance, and, if allowed to go to seed, the plant will decline and die.

The more desirable varieties produce exceptional displays. If you can find these, snatch them up - Burgundy Sun has large, oval-shaped leaves in a rich burgundy color; Pat Martin produces large, burgundy and yellow-green leaves; Solar Flare has large bright green leaves with a red center and deep yellow fringe; Solar Eclipse has serrated cherry-red leaves and black markings; Black Magic produces mahogany-purple leaves outlined in an avocado-colored scallop; Freckles produce a polka-dotted, green leaf with red freckles; India Frills grows into compact mounds of tiny, finely cut leaves with elaborate ochre, pink and purple designs; Japanese Giant produces enormous pink leaves with violet on a base of burgundy.

We believe coleus is an ideal summer addition to the East End garden.

You can contact Lance Brilliantine with any questions or comments at GardenLance@yahoo.com.