Potted coleus
Our splashy coleus greets our guests as they cross the deck to our front door. Aren’t the colors amazing? This fast-growing plant seems to double in size, minutes after the summer heat descends. Small purple flowers appeared last week, but they almost seem beside the point. The true beauty of this plant is the leaves. I have three varieties growing on the deck, but this is my favorite.
Spikes of purple flowers
I grew two coleus last year, then tried, unsuccessfully, to keep them alive through the winter. I wrapped then in frost cloth, kept the watering going, but alas one hard frost and that’s all she wrote.
Apparently it’s tasty too.
This year I’m ready. I’ll take cuttings instead. I have rooting compound for the occasion, along with a lightweight planting medium. I even have my eye on a small, portable green house, so that I don’t have to use the always-busy kitchen for my growing pursuits. I’ll keep you posted.
Meanwhile, I’m enjoying my colorful deck.
Do you have a summer favorite?
Stunning colors
Gardening Nirvana 
That is splendiferous! I’ve never had luck with coleus in a pot. My parents up north have all kinds of coleus and it spreads and flowers like wildfire. But, when I bring some back in a pot…..fail. 😦
LikeLike
Interesting. Do you think it might be transplant shock?
LikeLike
? I dunno, probably. As I see yours are in a rather small container and doing splendidly. It could also be micro-climate issues, as they live way up in God’s country, and it’s a different microclimate, even day-night schedule. So, could be it, as well.
LikeLike
I’ve never really grown coleus [coleii?] being more a flowery kind of a gal – but do admire those beautiful variegated leaves. Good luck with the cuttings.
LikeLike
Thank you. It will be fun to give it a go. Fingers crossed.
LikeLike
That ones going like gangbusters. One of the most popular coleus at the garden centre I used to work at was a bronze one. They always sold out first. They’re almost a peachy colour with brownish/bronze veining. Here’s a picture at Proven Winners http://www.provenwinners.com/plants/solenostemon/colorblaze-keystone-kopper-coleus-solenostemon-scutellarioides
I had fun at their site looking thru their on-line idea books, I clearly should be more adventurous LOL
http://www.provenwinners.com/container-gardening/ideabooks
It’s interesting to hear you also lose plants to frost. Surprisingly, one year when we got a really early frost, all my snap dragons survived. They seem to be super durable. I wonder if they’d even be perennial in your garden? Have a wonderful day my dear.
LikeLike
What a gorgeous bronze color. I can see why that would be popular. I’ve never seen one like it.
Thanks for including the link to the catalog. I could dip my toe into any one of those gardens or patios and stay awhile. Lovely, lovely vignettes. I’m going to go back and spend more time there when I can. I love looking at garden catalogs.
Speaking of snapdragons, all of mine survived the winter! I thought they would die off but they survived. I must add more next year in a variety of colors now that I know they’ll hang on.
One day the lawn will disappear entirely (giggle, giggle). Don’t tell Mike!
LikeLike
HA, my lips are sealed. What’s with guys and lawn? Jim never liked to see me digging a new bed? Silly boys.
LikeLike
[giggle]
LikeLike
[shoulder shrug] + giggle!
LikeLike
I’m a big fan of coleus! Love all the foliage colours of the new cultivars. Yours is particularly lovely; I hope your cuttings are huge successes! 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you, Sheryl!
LikeLike
Pingback: It’s a Bug’s Life | gardeningnirvana