Wait a minute... Coleus in the sun? Yes indeed!
The lowly coleus has come a long way since I first used it under a microscope in the eighth grade. We used pieces of coleus leaves to demonstrate simple cell division, and I learned to dislike the entire species as a result. I always associated coleus leaves with the odor of formaldehyde...but with the new introductions of this popular anuual, I've changed my mind, and for the better!
These hot new coleus cultivars are meant to step forward in the garden, and to expand their use. Lots of these fancy species will take intense direct sun, and were developed particularly for longer hours of heat and sunlight gardeners face here in the south.
Brightly colored and sun tolerant species on the market today merit inclusion in almost any location. If you don't use them, you're missing a treat. Charteuse, fuschia, and really red specimens can take the summer sun without losing color, or browning out. Continuing color throughout the summer is often an real effort on the part of the most determined of us. These plants are a breath of fresh color we can all enjoy.
The selections from Hatchett Creek Farms include:
'Red Ruffles'---
a deep, clear red, which makes a terrific focal point on its' own, or in combination with white or green material. You might consider using golden hostas, white flowering astilbes, and red-veined 'alba' caldiums in shade.
Red coleus in the sun invites a host of different choices, dpending on your overall color scheme. The most sun tolerant of the new coleus specie plants are the red- leaved varieties (the redder the leaf, the greater sun exposure).
'Guys' Delight'--
a brilliant chartreause, raises evem more possibilites for key-note use. What a terrific color repeat for nummularia, and a grand compliment for 'Elijah Blue' fescue!
Or, how about using this fun color at the feet of maroon blooming dayliles? I have an unknown hemerocallis (courtesy of a plant swap) in my garden which is purplish, with a yellow throat. Those blossoms would really pop! That's a combination I think I'll try.
"Solar Eclipse'
Leaf shape is another reason to use include a new coleus in your garden. The ruffled edges on "Solar Eclipse' would be lovely used with Dusty Miller artemesia. Pale pink tuberous begonias would bend happily with the greys and purples. Or ,you might try a nice clump of pale yellow "Moon Traveller" full season blooming daylilies with these muted colors.
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