Creating a Colorful Coleus Inspired Design

The colorful and uniquely shaped leaves of coleus have made it a favorite of gardeners for several centuries.

But recent introductions have helped move it out of containers and the shade and into sunny borders.

Here at Boerner Botanical Gardens they created several gardens featuring a few sun-loving varieties.

This large oval garden features FlameThrower Habanero coleus. The red Profusion zinnia and cannas blend nicely with Habanero’s orange-red leaves while the chartreuse sweet potato vine provides eye-catching contrast.

Use different plants but repeated color and texture to provide overall unity.

French Quarter coleus is combined with purple salvia and dahlias to connect it to the larger oval garden.

Another nearby bed features FlameThrower Spiced Curry. The chartreuse in its leaves echo the sweet potato vine in the main garden. The red zinnias and white salvia are repeated to further unite the beds.

A bit more information: Enjoy coleus year-round. Take cuttings of your favorite plants near the end of the growing season or bring the whole plant indoors before the first frost. Grow coleus like your other houseplants in a bright location and keep the soil slightly moist. Regular pruning will help keep the plant full and compact.