The home flower coleus relatively recently “migrated” to flower beds, landscape designers began to use colored “nettle” in landscape compositions. Coleus photo in a flowerbed is magnificent as a solitary and group plant.
Coleus amazes with its velvety leaves, which can come in a wide variety of colors.
Coleus - flowers for landscape design
A herbaceous evergreen shrub valued for its multicolored appearance. The attractive plant, better known as nettle, is believed to have originated in Africa, although some species have been discovered in Asian countries.
A flower bed with different varieties of coleus looks just great
The height of decorative coleus varies from 15 to 80 cm, the main species difference being the rectangular translucent succulent stem. The foliage is velvety, with serrated edges. It is she who serves as decoration for flower beds. This flower looks very attractive and colorful.
This plant with a stunning appearance will take its rightful place in your garden collection.
The heat-loving perennial crop “coleus” began to be grown in open ground as an annual after the emergence of hybrids that were resistant to the weather conditions of the middle zone. Selected species are much brighter than their wild relatives. More than 20 species are known with variegated multi-colored colors from rich lemon yellow to dark purple. The flower amazes with the beauty of its stripes, spots, variety and combination of shades:
- Pink colour;
- red;
- carmine;
- yellow from lemon to dark;
- green;
- brown;
- purple to blue-black.
The color of coleus leaves largely depends on the amount of sunlight.
Coleus often change leaf color depending on the season. For example, this is what the Wisard Velvet red variety looks like at the beginning of summer
And this is what the same variety looks like at the end of the warm season
Breeders managed to obtain plants with different leaf shapes:
- terry “nettle” with fringe along the edges of the leaves looks gorgeous;
- varieties with tuberous leaf blades of teardrop-shaped and triangular shape are cultivated;
- grow large-leaved coleus;
- The unusual round shape of the leaf expands the possibilities of using coleus in flower arrangements.
The habit of the bush has changed. Compact, dense crowns have acquired a spherical and pyramidal shape. Short and tall hybrids have been bred.
Among the coleus there are specimens with very interesting shapes of leaf blades (the Butterfly variety is shown in the photo)
The variety “Russian vegetable garden” is distinguished by large leaves with an original color
The amazingly beautiful coloring has become resistant to direct sunlight, does not fade or fade. It was possible to change the flowering time of coleus. Inexpressive, spike-shaped “tails” with pale blue-violet buds have become smaller. Coleus in landscape design photos have become quite popular not only in the southern regions of the country, but also in the temperate climate zone.
The flowering of coleus cannot be called a decorative process, so the flower stalks are usually removed
For abundant growth of peduncle leaves in coleus, it is necessary to remove peduncles, which take up a significant part of the nutritional resources.
Hanging varieties of coleus are grown in hanging pots
Coleus propagation
Some varieties, despite the fact that in our climate they grow in open ground as annuals, are able to reproduce in gardens through self-sowing.
The plant has no problems with reproduction
At home, both vegetative (mainly through cuttings) and generative (seed) methods of propagating coleus are used. Let's look at them in more detail:
Propagation by cuttings
The optimal time for cuttings from a plant is April. When spring preventive or decorative pruning of coleus always leaves many fragments of leaves or stems, which are perfect for cuttings. Usually, either the top of a too long stem with a growth cone, or the central part of the stem, containing 2-4 fairly large leaves, is used as a cutting. The optimal cutting length is considered to be 8-12 cm.
It is necessary to remove leaves and lateral shoots from the cutting so that the length of the stem from below is at least 6 cm. After which it must be stuck into soil (the same as that of the mother plant) or a mixture of peat and sand in a ratio of 1 to 1.
Rooting coleus cuttings
After which the cutting must be watered abundantly and greenhouse conditions created for it . To do this, it is covered with a plastic bag or bottle and placed in a dark room with a temperature of about +18-20°C.
After about 1-1.5 weeks, the cuttings have roots and are ready to be transplanted into their first pot . The planting rules are similar to those for replanting a plant.
Seed propagation
The procedure for seed propagation of coleus, both when growing at home and when planting it in open ground, is absolutely the same . The only thing to remember is that it is best to plant seeds during the active phase of the plant’s life. You can, of course, get seedlings in winter, but it is better to wait until spring to bring the plant growing as close as possible to its natural appearance.
Coleus seeds Blume
Plant seeds can be purchased at any flower shop, or you can grow them yourself by letting the plant bloom. Seed germination persists for several years.
First seed shoots
Seeds are planted in a neutral or slightly acidic substrate of any composition . You can use both a substrate for adult plants and any peat-containing mixture for seedlings. The depth and density of planting seeds do not play a special role.
Blooming coleus in open ground
As the seeds germinate and their first two leaves appear, they are picked, after which they begin to water abundantly and fertilize with nitrogenous fertilizers for seedlings. When the time comes for the second picking (with 5-6 leaves), the seedlings are transplanted into a pot for an adult plant. It continues to be fertilized with nitrogenous fertilizers until flowering begins. As soon as the first flowers appear, they are cut off, nitrogen fertilization is stopped, and the plant begins to be cared for as usual.
Coleus variety Blume with elongated leaves
Usually the plant itself, obtained by seed propagation, is not grown for more than a year. Most often, at the beginning of the next season, it is completely “disassembled” into cuttings. And it is from these cuttings that decorative crops are obtained.
Popular varieties of garden coleus
Among the varietal diversity, it is easy to choose species for any landscape. It is impossible to list all the varieties in a short review. The most expressive varieties deserve attention.
Wisard Coral Sunrise variety with orange-brown leaves
Coleus variety Premium Sun Pineaplee Sunrise with original leaf coloring
Coleus rehneltianus
The “Renelta” group unites ampelous types of red-green coleus hybrids used for the design of parks, loggias, terraces, shopping centers and offices, and is used for border planting.
Coleus Renelta has red and green edged leaves with small teeth along the edges.
The plants are bred from wild red coleus from Sri Lanka. Classically shaped carved leaves are green on the edges and red in the center. There are varieties of different shades from red-pink to brick. Bush height 25–35 cm.
Wizard Pastel
The variety is valued for its rapid growth and diversity of colors. Used to form the lower tier of flower arrangements, well suited for solitary planting. The denticles on the leaves are smoothed, have a semicircular shape, the greenery is variegated, with a contrasting frame. Bright color spots of pink, brown, cream tones are “painted” with patterns of colored veins. The height of the bush is 30–35 cm, width up to 30 cm.
This variety with universal colors can harmoniously fit into the design of any flower bed.
When planting plants of this variety, it is necessary to maintain a distance between bushes of at least 20 cm. Within two weeks, the crowns of the bushes are connected.
Coleus blumei
The group of the tallest varieties was named after the surname of the creator. Strong shoots of plants, including the peduncle, reach a meter in height. The leaves are ovate, the color of the edges is usually yellow-light green, the core is raspberry shades, but other colors are also found.
The color of the foliage of this variety is different - it can be brown, red-burgundy, dirty orange and even almost black.
The “blume” hybrid with a white core and purple fringed edges is especially decorative. The intensity of leaf color depends on temperature and lighting.
Coleus leaves of this variety contain poisons that can cause chemical burns. When replanting a bush, care should be taken. It is not advisable to use plants to decorate park paths and garden lawns.
Kong Mix Empire
This hybrid coleus is distinguished by a dense arrangement of leaves on the shoot. The height of the compact bush is up to 80 cm, width is up to 55 cm. The plant grows quickly, blooms late, and the peduncle is short.
Coleus Mix Empire looks great in combination with other ornamental plants
The place of this coleus in the flowerbed is central. Looks great in combination with other ornamental shrubs and conifers. Used to decorate rockeries and parterre lawns.
Electric Lime
From the name it is clear that the color of the plant is bright. Late flowering crop, medium height (up to 50 cm). The leaves are large, oblong, with wavy edges, smoothed serration.
Bright leaves feel great in the shade and do not fade in the sun
This stunning coleus always has a place of honor in landscape design. Bright lemon bushes feel great in the shade and do not wither in the sun. Lime is used to complement flower beds and cut mixborder compositions. Grows well in pots and is suitable for hanging baskets and container plantings.
Dragon Black
The variety of American selection was named for the inky color of the leaf blades. The plant forms a spreading bush up to 40 cm high. The leaves are large, reaching 15 cm, oval in shape with a pointed tip, the teeth are smoothed. There is a pink spot in the center of the leaf blade.
The color of the foliage gives the plant a certain mystery and majesty.
Purple coleus is mainly used for solitary planting and creating color accents in flower arrangements.
Coleus (75 photos): types and care
Caring for coleus is quite simple if you follow simple conditions:
The optimal soil is a mixture based on leaf or turf soil. You can use regular garden soil, but first you need to disinfect it and mix it with peat and humus. Sand is used for loosening. Monitor soil acidity. If its pH exceeds 7, it will be critical for coleus. You can dilute this mixture with regular ash.
Feeding is needed to stimulate the growth and brightness of leaves. In summer, use potassium mineral fertilizers. It is important that the solution is not too concentrated. Feel free to add a little ash to the water on a regular basis. This simultaneously regulates the characteristics of the soil. The first feeding is about a month after transplantation, when the coleus adapts to new conditions. Earlier, you can damage and burn sensitive leaves. If you alternate mineral salts and organic matter, the first result will soon make itself felt.
Bright and colorful plants always love light. Without it, the leaves fade and fade. Under natural conditions, this can be observed in winter. By the way, it is the variegated colors that protect sun-loving sheets from ultraviolet radiation. But at the height of summer, take care of light partial shade so as not to burn the delicate plant, especially through glass.
Coleus needs warmth. Temperatures up to +16...+18C are considered critical - this is the winter minimum. If it falls even lower, the leaves will fall off, and sometimes you can even lose the flower altogether. Moreover, the risk of soil waterlogging increases. Ideal temperature +20…+25C. Minor and short-term fluctuations do not affect the condition of the coleus.
Throughout the warm season, starting in spring, coleus should be watered abundantly. But use only settled, soft water and monitor the moisture of the rhizome. This will help avoid rotting and fungal infections. Add water as the top layer of soil dries.
To maintain optimal humidity, periodically mist the leaves with water from a fine spray bottle. This is especially important in hot and dry seasons. Otherwise, they wither, cease to be elastic and begin to fall off. But remember that excessively intense moisture affects the flower worse than short-term drought. There is also no need to wipe the velvety leaves with a cloth - this way they can be easily damaged.
After winter, it's time to start pruning coleus. Elongated shoots can be safely trimmed to 5–7 leaf ovaries. This way the plant will begin to actively grow again. Cut shoots can be used for propagation. To improve decorative qualities, periodically pinch out growing stems.
Coleus flower stalks are most often removed, because its decorative value is in the foliage, not the flowering. It is worth leaving them for a longer period only when you need to collect your own seeds.
Features of the plant, caring for coleus in open ground
This heat-loving perennial crop is often grown from seeds and also reproduces well:
- cuttings;
- dividing the bush;
- children (increases with individual growth buds).
Cuttings are the easiest way to obtain new plants of your favorite variety.
The time for planting seedlings is April; plants are planted in open ground after return frosts, at the end of May or beginning of June, depending on the weather. For the winter, potted plantings are brought into the winter garden, and in the summer they are put outside.
To ensure that the bushes have a beautiful shape, they are pinched from a very early age.
It is useless to grow seeds of hybrid varieties on your own. The probability that they will inherit species characteristics is no more than 25%. It is better to purchase seeds from nurseries.
Basic care recommendations:
- All types of coleus require light. For plants, choose a sunny or diffused shade place.
- The soil needs to be slightly acidic, nutritious, and rich in humus. Coleus grows well in light, permeable soils.
- The plants are moisture-loving; regular and abundant watering is required. It is advisable to water the plants at the roots; drip irrigation is recommended. With a lack of moisture, the decorative effect decreases.
- All coleus are fast-growing and require regular feeding. Mineral mixtures are added at intervals of two weeks. In June, the share of nitrogen components is increased, and from mid-July - potassium and phosphorus. It is better to use balanced mineral complexes for indoor plants.
- Haircuts are carried out as needed. With regular pruning, curly shapes are achieved.
- It is important to regularly remove inflorescences, dried and damaged leaves that interfere with aesthetics.
When the acidity of the soil changes, the shade of the leaf blades may change.
Plant care
Care is an important component when growing coleus. There are no difficulties. First of all, it is important to remember that the plant loves warmth and bright light, which means it needs to be provided with exactly these conditions for growth. If everything is normal, then as a result you will get ideal bushes - lush, colorful with bright, regularly shaped leaves.
However, do not forget that coleus does not like direct sunlight at all, which is even harmful to the plant. If the weather is very dry, try to water the nettles generously and create shade if possible.
In the summer, especially on dry days, moisture from the soil actively evaporates, so be sure to replenish the water balance of the soil. The best method is spraying with water at room temperature, but there is a nuance here - if the weather is sunny, create a shadow before spraying, because the droplets in the sun act as a lens, which can even lead to the leaves being burned by the sun's rays.
Pruning coleus is a very important procedure.
Feed coleus regularly - since this is a fast-growing plant, fertilizer must be applied at least once a week. In the cool season, it is necessary to reduce watering, since this may cause the root system to rot, and it is better to eliminate spraying altogether.
The plant requires pruning. The tops of the seedlings need to be pinched to form a crown and also stimulate branching. With age, pruning will return the decorative appearance of the nettle; here it is necessary to get rid of not only the tops, but also the flowers, since because of them the leaves become less rich and bright in color. (See also the article Decor for the garden: features.)
Coleus-lined path
Note! If coleus blooms often enough, it means that the plant grows in unsuitable conditions for it.
Rules for combining flowers with other flowers in flower beds
The color palette of coleus is rich and rich. Coleus is always beautiful and good in the garden; designing flower beds and rockeries with such an addition is advantageous. With the help of various varieties, it is easy to create a fancy ornament, a flower picture without other garden crops.
Green coleus in the company of petunias of different colors
Coleus tolerate shading well, so they are great for decorating tree trunks.
Coleus go well with plants that have thin, lacy greenery. The best crops for flower arrangements:
- aruncus coquefolia;
- irises with sword-shaped leaves;
- gypsophila;
- ordinary kermek;
- lilies and daylilies;
- roses;
- trimmed boxwood;
- Iberis;
- sage;
- gray fescue;
- cineraria.
The list goes on. You can see coleus in a flower bed with other flowers, cereal grasses, coniferous and deciduous shrubs.
Persian carpet of coleus around globular thujas
Multi-colored coleus as a border in a flower bed
If you liked this flower, find a place for it in your garden
Plants are planted in small summer cottages and huge open spaces, stepped terraces and alpine slides. The coleus will appear in all its glory; in the photo it is always visible in the flowers in the flower bed. Looks great in trunks, mixborders, adjacent to other plants.
