• slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide

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.

Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars


March 27, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

How to Start a Garden for Beginners
Register now

April 3, 2024
Garden Trends 

Franklin Public Library, Franklin, WI

April 10, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Container Gardening Throughout the Year
Register now

April 11, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

7 Steps to Managing Water Where it Falls in Your Yard
Register now

April 17, 2024
Landscaping for Birds: 
A Gardener’s Perspective

Glendale, WI 

April 18, 2024
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Golden Rondelle Theater, Racine, WI
Register now

April 20, 2024
Pruning Hydrangeas and Other Shrubs 
Pasquesi Home & Gardens, Lake Bluff, IL

April 27, 2024
Ridges & Rivers Book Festival
Viroqua, WI

April 28, 2024
Flowering Trees and Shrubs
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI

May 1, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Ornamental Fruits and Vegetables
Register now

May 9, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

How to Plant Your Rain Garden
Register now

WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS

Learn More

Book an Appearance

Learn More

Enter to Win The Birds & Blooms' Ultimate Gardening Guide !

ENTER NOW