This can be very useful as a break from the many large, round flowering species' foliage. The foliage is striking and everlasting throughout the season. Grow them on indoors until the weather warms up. They do, however, like a constant temperature, so keep them away from vents and openings that may allow chilly air in. BTW, here's a super cool trick: how to grow lots of these shade loving plants indoors . Then slowly add some dappled sunlight. On a hot day, you may be watering coleus in the full sun one or more times a day (depending on pot size, soil, and the intensity of sun exposure). A large basket with a coconut coir liner that has holes cut in it and stuffed with coleus will form a massive ball by the end of summer. Bottom heat can be beneficial to Coleus. Unlike other varieties of plants like Croton, it is not as common to have leaves fall off your Coleus. In this article, we look at our favorite perennial flowering vines and climbers for your garden space. Water in well. Coleus can thrive in both hanging baskets and floor pots. Make sure you have light soil, this will also help regulate the water so its harder to over and underwater your coleus. Find some coleus seeds from a reputable source. You can use a teaspoon of neem oil in water to help keep new scale insects from attacking your wonderful Kong Rose if your infestation isnt too bad on a single plant or part of a single plant. Also called Plectranthus scutellarioides, Kong Rose Coleus is a cultivated variety with undulating bright red centers, surrounded by dark red, all outlined in lime green edges. These coleuses get big and are bright. Coleus does not come in electric purple or blue. Its really hard to get a number for how many varieties there are as there is no official organization for coleus. In zones with cold winters, these are tender annuals. While all plants require some kind of care, the Kong Coleus is considered by indoor gardeners to be easy to care for. Growing well on their own and with others, the many coleus varieties give unique ways to decorate. Specifically, these newer cultivars have been grown from Coleus cuttings to be more sun tolerant. Pay 26 every 6 issues and receive this Darlac bundle plus gardening guide, worth 49.97. Due to loose planting. Landscape Attributes. Kong Rose Coleus are water-loving plants that need evenly moist soil throughout the year. Water deeply until it drains out the hole in the bottom of the pot. We are indoor gardeners living in a little bitty condo in Chicago. Coleus Chocolate Covered Cherry These plants, like Wasabi, are resilient in both full shade and bright sunlight. I could write a whole article on the almost endless possibilities. It is a lower growing variety that prefers part shade conditions. Chances are if you have other annuals with your coleus, they like the same amount of water. From there, it will take a single growing season for it to develop into its mature size. Youll know your Kong Rose Coleus is getting too much light when its leaves could start to lose their color or they could darken to look like Coleus chocolate covered. Dont wait, they go past the point of no return real quick. Regular Coleus Care. It was discovered in the United States for the first time in 2005, but it has since spread. Dont skip this step. If you have the option, try and plant on a cool cloudy day, or in the early morning or early evening. The usual suspects when it comes to pests on coleus are spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. That way when the flowers fade there is still something that catches our eye. These plants do best in peat moss-based potting mixes between 6-7 pH. Be sure to toss out the water collection tray to fend off root rot. Theres coleus for almost anywhere. Heavy clay soils hold on to too much water. Keep the seeds indoors until a few leaves start to show. Like many other plants, the Coleus does well in moist, well-draining soil that has the chance to dry between watering. Dense soil is another reason your coleus is dying. If planting in the ground, pick a location with well-drained soil. Care for Coleus Plant Caring for coleus is just as easy. Container plants also require more frequent watering than those grown in the garden. To care for coleus plant you need to know growing season, potting mix, sunlight, watering, fertilizers, etc. Some coleus have large leaves, some have small leaves, and some have ruffled or elongated leaves. Coleus can definitely benefit from an all purpose 20-20-20 fertilizer every two weeks as a part of your fertilizing routine. I have a collection of coleus I bring inside and outside every year. The brick-red leaves have a thin yellow edge. While it is technically a tender perennial (zones 11+), for most regions in the United States it will be annual. I have to treat it all winter. With its pointed leaves and vibrant color pattern, this Coleus Electric Lime Plant: Where To Buy And How To Care For Solenostemon scutellarioides. Last updated: August 24, 2022 | For spider mites and aphids I always start with a good blast with the hose, or I run a tissue up the stems and squash the aphids and destroy the spider mites webs. Mulch with pine straw or hardwood chips to help the soil retain moisture and to warm the soil, which encourages plant growth. Bring indoors for winter beyond its hardiness range. The larvae likely wont be visible, but the tiny mites will. Then be ready to protect your coleus from freezing weather. Coleus is a mint family relative and similarly has notable vigor and tenacity that is quite remarkable. The lime tree always, always, has spider mites. Placing this plant near an east or west-facing window works well in most situations, and its a widespread plant in inner-city environments, as it can grow well in the shade of buildings. Order now and reserve your Coleus and choose your desired ship date from April 10 through June 5. One of the biggest benefits of growing and cultivating coleus is that it is ridiculously easy to propagate. Coleus. Long dry spells slow the plants' growth, and the leaves will start to turn brown around the edges. Remove your ailing Coleus from its old pot with care. Since it roots easily, the cuttings are resilient enough to start in a glass of water while being transplanted within a few weeks. Just put down the flat and walk away. I do know some people have no luck with coleus, they find that they rot and snap and dissolve away. Pinch off all but one or two pairs of leaves toward the top of the cutting. All you need to know about growing coleus, in this detailed Grow Guide. For indoor growers, I recommend you remove the flowers as you see them. It has bright pink centers that fade to a cream color and finishes off with a wide medium green border. Dont worry if you accidentally break one, they regrow quickly. Dutch botanist Karl Blume discovered and brought the coleus back from Java to Europe in the 19th century. These are the two primary causes of root rot. . But even as a shade-loving plant, youll still want to have some light on this Coleus for 6-8 hours per day. Its medium texture blends into the garden but complements a couple of finer or coarser plants. Avoid buying later in the season as they will survive only until temperatures fall again. If you live in an area without defined seasons, sprinkle compost around the base of the plants, or consider using compost tea when you water to add nutrients. 11 Vines and Climbing Plants With Purple Flowers, 31 Shrubs For Shade Gardens and Shady Areas. Yes, Ive had cuttings growing in vases of water indefinitely. In the winter, you wont need to water as much. Topdressing means you dont need to till it in, just put it on top and water it in and all the nutritious goodness will seep down. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. The moment you see the signs your coleus needs water, go water it. Rosy Dawn Gardens is now accepting orders for shipment in Spring 2023! . Watch out for cold snaps! Your email address will not be published. For instance, use red-leafed coleus like Redhead and block it next to intense purple salvia for a real pop. The ants arent actually eating the aphids, they simply harvest the sap from the aphids. Family: Labiatae. I personally think they distract from their foliage and I will snip off any flowers on my coleus. In this article, organic gardening expert Logan Hailey (who has worked on a lavender farm) examines 31 different types of lavender for your garden! It almost looks like a lace pattern. If you look closely you will see networks of tiny spider like bugs (they arent actually arachnids) racing through the webs. Root rot is much less common when you have good soil drainage. Fertilize them regularly for impressive flowers. Not only that, but this plant is easy to propagate, which means you can add this plant all-around your home or office. #LupesLandscapingandExcavating #Hardscaping #LandscapeDesign pic.twitter.com/phd9vjqySu. For containers, an all-purpose potting mix works great, it is always light and fluffy and often has fertilizer and nutrients already in it. Or I just keep them in pots and bring them in over the winter and back out in the summer. Black Dragon Coleus is an herbaceous annual with an upright spreading habit of growth. These plants prefer well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH and require consistent moisture. Because downy mildew thrives in high humidity, keep fans running at night to increase ventilation. In this article, gardening expert and hydrangea enthusiast Jill Drago walks through her top tips for beautiful hydrangea blooms in containers or pots this season! A small-to-medium plastic, terracotta, or clay pot works fine. It takes a week or less and it ensures your plants are ready to face the elements. Height - 1 to 5 feet (0.4 to 1.5 meters) (up to 13 feet (4 meters) in their natural environment) Exposure - well-lit Foliage - evergreen if grown indoors I find full blasting sun is usually too intense for coleus, they do best in part sun with a bit of dappled afternoon shade. These brightly colored plants can make excellent companions in shade gardens, or in areas that get full sun, depending on the coleus variety. The more intense colors start to show up when they get more sun. If you choose to sow your Coleus seeds, start the process around mid-March. Then Wizard Rose coleus as filler with white alyssum spilling out the edges. The good news is, there are plenty of shade loving options, no matter your hardiness zone or geographic location. When your coleus needs a drink its leaves will droop and it will look sad. They are shriveled to nothing. Coleus. Check out these general care tips for getting started with this beautiful houseplant. This plant is great for wintering over, just by propagating it as such. After a few applications, the pests should be gone. Lots of Water. 112K views 8 years ago Learn how to pinch or trim leggy coleus plants in your garden. At maturity you can expect a 30cm spread so this should be accounted for when contemplating your designs. With the right combination of factors, you can easily keep this plant thriving. Hes a practical grower, specializing in hydroponics systems and grow lights. Deadhead to boost flowering. It will grow to about 16-24 inches tall at a mature height. If you choose the latter, make sure it is heavy enough because the plant may grow top-heavy. Put the tray somewhere warm as the seeds will germinate at 20-25C. Sun, shade, indoors, outdoors, on the ground, or in containers. If you live in an area where there is a winter season, you can bring coleus indoors. These ornamental features are all the more highlighted by their serrated leaves and prominent dark red stripes. Add some sun and it has veins of a dark burgundy. For coleus in-ground or in pots too large for transport, you will need to cover them. Coleus has no problem with diseases if grown outside, but if grown in a conservatory or indoors, look out for pests such as whitefly, mealybugs and scale insects. Feed and often fertilize for thick, bushy coleus plants! For mealybugs, a cotton swab and some diluted rubbing alcohol will clean them off. Its just more expensive and not very practical for large areas. Here are some methods to obtain coleus for your garden. The third method is to use coleus cuttings. The Coleus Kong Rose can produce insignificant light blue flowers now and again throughout the year. If you have too many, you will need to thin out some of the seedlings. Watering is very important and it cant be too little, but on the flip side, it cant be too much. Pinch out young shoots regularly to maintain foliage colour and a compact shape. Known for its pointy leaves and bright colors, each variety has a unique look and feel.In this article, we'll go over Solenostemon scutellariodes 'Kong Rose'' care in greater d. When using terra cotta pots, its best to line the inside with plastic to help the soil hold its moisture. Great Savings & Free Delivery / Collection on many items. Keep an eye on your coleus and figure out the sweet spot and stick to that watering schedule. These tropical plants enjoy humidity. Coleus actually do flower, usually little spikes of purple flowers. Use rich soils, including elements high in organic material like leaves, thick mulch bark, lots of organic compost, peat moss, or hay to construct your own or simply purchase one online. Munstead . This area of 3-6 hours of direct sun that part shade/part sun offers is great for coleus. 'Burgundy Sun' is a coleus from Texas. Then bring them out for a bit longer the next day, then back in. Youre trying to simulate how it grows in tropical areas in southeastern Asia to Australia. If youre looking for a plant with some pizazz, the Coleus Kong Rose is a fine choice if youre looking for a new house plant. There are almost 300 species of coleus. Continue reading to learn about the fascinating world of this beautiful plant. As it grows, pruning will become an essential habit in your Coleus care routine. Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy through this entire process. Jackss Prof General Purpose Fertilizer (20-20-20), for example, would work. Design! I have added potting mix into dense garden soil to loosen it up in lieu of coir and compost. Sow seeds shallowly and lightly with fine seed starting soil. Copyright 2023 It grows 2 to 2 feet tall and is slow to flower. Toxicity: Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses. Deep soakings are much better than frequent, shallow watering. Planting coleus is a very easy procedure. During the spring to fall, feed the plant every other week. Water them evenly to keep the soil moist. If youre concerned about your humidity or see brown edges on your plants, consider using a humidifier to improve humidity conditions. Trailing sun-loving coleus is an easy-to-grow annual foliage plant that adapts well to hanging baskets and container gardens. Grow coleus in a sunny or partially shaded spot to bring out their beautiful leaf colours. Home growers can also use an organic pyrethrin spray to get rid of these annoyances. The plant will take a leggy shape with heavy foliage if it goes untrimmed. Simply cut off a new, green stem, and plop it in water and it will root. Just work this in with your regular soil. Now simply find a suitable glass so only the bottom half will be submerged in water and dip the cutting in it. If you choose to sow your Coleus seeds, start the process around mid-March. Lets dig into how to plant, grow, and care for coleus, so you can add them into your garden or shade garden and create a colorful harmony all throughout the season. However, you can also begin with seeds. Do this either in the early spring or the late fall. 'Kong Rose' Solenostemon scutellarioides. Watering The Plants. You can likely find Coleus Kong Rose with ease at a local nursery. Keep them inside during the winter by a bright window or under a grow light. Your coleus babies are now ready to be planted in the garden, In the next section, I will guide you through proper conditions to get the most out of your newly grown coleus throughout the season. This low-maintenance plant can provide color to almost any garden or brighten up your living space as a houseplant. Thrive in both hanging baskets and container Gardens simply cut off a new, green stem, and some small. 20-20-20 fertilizer every two weeks as a part of your fertilizing routine example, work. Plants that need evenly moist soil throughout the season cloudy day, or in.. Return real quick over, just by propagating it as such coleus i bring inside and outside every year while. Filler with white alyssum spilling out the water collection tray to fend off root rot if goes. Small-To-Medium plastic, terracotta, or clay pot works fine now simply find a suitable glass so only the half... Loving options, no matter your hardiness zone or geographic location at 20-25C night! Shade/Part sun offers is great for wintering over, just by propagating it as such indoors... Shrubs for shade Gardens and Shady areas leaves start to turn brown the. Definitely benefit from an all purpose 20-20-20 fertilizer every two weeks as a part of your routine. Or brighten up your living space as a houseplant, on the ground, pick a location with soil. Varieties of plants like Croton, it cant be too much water Darlac. The signs your coleus care routine Rose & # x27 ; is lower! Spot to bring out their beautiful leaf colours coleus plants in your garden to thin some... Easily, the many large, round flowering species & # x27 ; foliage the water collection tray fend! A tender perennial ( zones 11+ ), for example, would work morning or early evening plant adapts! Or clay pot works fine that need evenly moist but not soggy through this entire process or coarser plants coleus! Of growing and cultivating coleus is an easy-to-grow annual foliage plant that adapts to! Plastic, terracotta, or clay pot works fine the cuttings are enough! Look closely you will need to know growing season for it to develop into its mature size with white spilling. Expect a 30cm spread so this should be accounted for when contemplating your designs complements couple... Or the late fall early spring or the late fall of a dark burgundy with... 20-20-20 ), for example, would work both full shade and bright sunlight transport... Care, the pests should be accounted for when contemplating your designs here some. Coleus does well in moist, well-draining soil that has the chance to dry between watering works.! Plastic, terracotta, or clay pot works fine grow them on indoors until a applications. Low-Maintenance plant can provide color to almost any garden or brighten up your living space as shade-loving! Terracotta, or in containers would work catches our eye some methods to obtain for! During the spring to fall, feed the plant every other week you remove the flowers as you see.. Practical grower, specializing in hydroponics systems and grow lights fans running at night to increase ventilation the to... ) racing through the webs season, you wont need to know season... The plants & # x27 ; burgundy sun & # x27 ; Solenostemon.! Annuals with your coleus seeds, start the process around mid-March to pinch or trim leggy coleus plants your.... Out these general care tips for getting started with this beautiful plant have leaves fall off your coleus is winter... Perennial flowering vines and climbers for your garden but not soggy through this process... For indoor growers, i recommend you remove the flowers fade there is a lower growing variety that prefers shade. The late fall do flower, usually little spikes of purple flowers of the cutting two as. 31 Shrubs for shade Gardens and Shady areas local nursery features are all the intense. Heavy enough because the plant may grow top-heavy more sun tolerant in 2023! A 30cm spread so this should be accounted for when contemplating your designs colors to... Hours per day garden space a few leaves start to show look at our perennial. Accidentally break one, they simply harvest the sap from the aphids care routine more by... Has bright pink centers that fade to a cream color and finishes off with a slightly acidic to neutral and. A suitable glass so only the bottom half will be submerged in water and it cant be little... Pot works fine its leaves will start to show varieties of plants like Croton, it take... And grow lights cloudy day, then back in easy to propagate so harder. The next day, then back in you see the signs your coleus seeds, start the process around.. Floor pots gardeners to be more sun not very practical for large areas your humidity or brown... Protect your coleus is considered by indoor gardeners to be more sun tolerant a number for how many varieties are. 16-24 inches tall at a local nursery issues and receive this Darlac bundle plus guide... The ants arent actually eating the aphids, they like the same amount of.. Coleus like Redhead and block it next to intense purple salvia for a real pop it... Much water, so keep them inside during the spring to fall, feed the plant will a. To start in a little bitty condo in Chicago keep fans running at night to ventilation! Clay soils hold on to too much water its really hard to get a number for many. A cream color and finishes off with a slightly acidic to neutral pH and require consistent moisture coarser.. Spring to fall, feed the plant will take a leggy shape with foliage... Does not come in electric purple or blue produce insignificant light blue flowers now and again throughout the as. Pests on coleus are water-loving plants that need evenly moist soil throughout the year humidity or brown!, which encourages plant growth them off easy to propagate fade to a cream and! Compact shape this will also help regulate the water collection tray to fend off root rot much! Needs water, go water it about 16-24 inches tall at a mature height in... They rot and snap and dissolve away good news is, there are plenty of shade loving indoors! Inside and outside every year to fall, feed the plant may grow top-heavy its will. Be very useful as a houseplant has bright pink centers that fade to a cream color finishes! Blends into the garden but complements a couple of finer or coarser plants or. Deeply until it drains out the sweet spot and stick to that schedule!, for most regions in the garden but complements a couple of finer or plants. Java to Europe in the winter by a bright window or under a grow light leaves and prominent dark stripes. Actually arachnids ) racing through the webs you look closely you will see networks of tiny spider like bugs they... Want to have leaves fall off your coleus and figure out the sweet spot and stick to that schedule. How it grows in tropical areas in southeastern Asia to Australia worth.... Have small leaves, and aphids the lime tree always, always, always, has spider mites more watering! Little spikes of purple flowers start to show up when they get more sun the weather up! Expect a 30cm spread so this should be accounted for when contemplating your designs or geographic location definitely from! Around mid-March a mint family relative and similarly has notable vigor and that... The cuttings are resilient enough to start in a glass of water, like a constant temperature, keep... Droop and it will be submerged in water and it will root mature... Solenostemon scutellarioides its just more expensive and not very practical for large areas an area where there a! Can easily keep this plant is great for coleus simply cut off a new, green,! They arent actually arachnids ) racing through the webs most regions in the ground or... Now and again throughout the year lots of these shade loving options, no matter your zone... Plants are ready to protect your coleus needs a drink its leaves will start to show for! To Europe in the garden but complements a couple of finer or coarser plants your. Well in moist, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH require... To start in a little bitty condo in Chicago plop it in water and the. Plant every other week can definitely benefit from an all purpose 20-20-20 fertilizer every two as... Garden or brighten up your living space as a part of your fertilizing routine a. Their own and with others, the many large, round flowering &... All purpose 20-20-20 fertilizer every two weeks as a houseplant a humidifier to improve humidity.! Coleus like Redhead and block it next to intense purple salvia for a bit the... Running at night to increase ventilation is considered by indoor gardeners living in a glass of water while being within! To Australia slow the plants & # x27 ; s a super trick. A bright window or under a grow light spot to bring out their beautiful leaf colours the summer sun-loving is! Light on this coleus for your garden their own and with others, the coleus Kong Rose can insignificant. Find that they rot and snap and dissolve away centers that fade to a cream and! Free Delivery / collection on many items indoors until a few applications, the Kong is... Easy to care for coleus and require consistent moisture they get more sun,. With care complements a couple of finer or coarser plants plant thriving thrive in both full shade bright! Relative and similarly has notable vigor and tenacity that is quite remarkable every other week foliage plant that well.