Coleus Varieties for the Summer Landscape

Coleus plants are renowned for their vibrant foliage, making them an excellent choice for adding color and interest to the summer landscape. Here's a description of the beauty of various varieties of Coleus:

1. Kong Series: The Kong series of Coleus is known for its large, bold leaves and striking color combinations. With leaves that can reach up to 12 inches in length, these varieties make a dramatic statement in the garden. From vibrant greens to deep purples and fiery oranges, the Kong series offers a wide range of hues to choose from.

2. Wizard Series: The Wizard series of Coleus features compact plants with a bushy growth habit, making them perfect for containers, borders, and mass plantings. These varieties exhibit a kaleidoscope of colors, including bright yellows, vivid pinks, and rich burgundies, creating a captivating display of foliage.

3. Dipt in Wine: Dipt in Wine is a striking variety of Coleus with deeply lobed leaves and a rich, burgundy hue. The foliage has a velvety texture and glossy sheen, adding a touch of elegance to the garden. Dipt in Wine is particularly eye-catching when planted en masse or used as a focal point in containers and mixed plantings.

4. Wasabi: Wasabi Coleus is prized for its vibrant lime-green foliage that adds a burst of color to shady areas of the garden. The leaves have a serrated edge and a slightly ruffled texture, creating a dynamic and dimensional appearance. Wasabi is an excellent choice for brightening up dark corners and underplanting trees and shrubs.

5. Chocolate Mint: Chocolate Mint Coleus is named for its distinctive foliage, which features shades of deep purple and creamy white, reminiscent of its namesake herb. The leaves have a serrated edge and a minty fragrance when crushed, adding sensory appeal to the garden. Chocolate Mint is ideal for edging borders and accentuating flower beds.

6. FlameThrower Series: The FlameThrower series of Coleus showcases foliage with a fiery palette of colors, ranging from blazing oranges and fiery reds to smoldering yellows. These varieties are known for their intense coloration and heat tolerance, making them perfect for adding warmth and energy to the summer landscape.

7. Electric Lime: Electric Lime Coleus is prized for its vivid chartreuse foliage that seems to glow in the garden. The leaves have a serrated edge and a slightly ruffled texture, adding depth and dimension to the plant. Electric Lime is an excellent choice for brightening up shady areas and creating contrast with darker foliage plants.

8. Pineapple Splash: Pineapple Splash Coleus features leaves with a unique pattern of splashes and speckles in shades of lime green, yellow, and burgundy. The variegated foliage adds visual interest and texture to the garden, creating a lively and dynamic display. Pineapple Splash is perfect for adding a tropical flair to containers and mixed plantings.

9. Black Dragon: Black Dragon Coleus is named for its dramatic, almost-black foliage that adds a touch of mystery and sophistication to the garden. The leaves have a velvety texture and a glossy sheen, creating a striking contrast with brighter-colored plants. Black Dragon is ideal for adding depth and drama to shady areas and mixed borders.

10. Solar Flare: Solar Flare Coleus is prized for its vibrant orange foliage that seems to radiate warmth and energy. The leaves have a serrated edge and a slightly ruffled texture, adding movement and interest to the plant. Solar Flare is perfect for adding a pop of color to containers, hanging baskets, and flower beds.

Overall, Coleus varieties offer an abundance of beauty and diversity for the summer landscape, with their vibrant foliage, striking colors, and unique textures. Whether used as focal points, accents, or mass plantings, these versatile plants add a dynamic and captivating element to any garden setting.