Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Confessions of a Coleac

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I can’t help it. I love Coleus. Ease of propagation, variety of shapes, versatility and wide color range creates a perfect annual for me. When I see a variety that I don’t have, I’m overcome with Coleus Envy.

I like to combine plants. The picture above is ‘Pele’ and ‘Pink Chaos’. Both varieties do well in the sun. Other coleacs plant single specimen plants. Either way, the effect is significant.


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‘Pele’, ‘Religions Radish’ and ‘Trailing Garnet’ make a nice combination with the Creeping Jenny. I usually use ‘Trailing Garnet’ in a pot where it will cascade over the edge. I think I like that effect better.




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‘Glennis’ is one of the most spectacular large coleus I have. It can grow 2+ feet tall under the right conditions. Here in a pot in dappled shade under a French lilac, it is about 1½ feet tall.



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I don’t know the names of all the varieties in my little collection. Here are some lacy leaved coleuses. Merlin’s Magic is on the right. The one on the left is a mystery.




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Two unnamed Coleus with Dusty Miller are holding their own in the dry shade under the lilac. I think they are trying to prove coleus will grow under any conditions.

Next spring I’ll order a few varieties from Rosy Dawn Gardens http://www.rosydawngardens.com/default.aspx I’ve never ordered from Rosy Dawn but browsing the on-line catalogue almost makes me drool.
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3 comments:

Morning Glories in Round Rock said...

I am in love with Coleus too. You have some beautiful specimens. Do you keep any in winter? I have been rooting mine to have a jump on next spring, but am wondering if it will be worth the effort...I guess time will tell. :-)

Marie said...

It's always great to chat with another coleac.

I take cuttings starting about the middle of August. If there is a plant I can't stand to loose, I may dig up the whole thing, pot it and bring it in for the winter.

I think I had about 80 cuttings to plant last spring. My biggest problem is damping off. I always loose some that way.

What zone is Round Rock?

Morning Glories in Round Rock said...

I am in zone 8B. I am so glad to hear you are taking cuttings too. I thought I was being a tad crazy, but when you have enjoyed them all summer, you just hate to lose them.