Coleo. C13

Known as painted nettle or poor man's croton, depending on where you are, but to many of us we simply know them as coleus plants (Coleus blumei).

They have some of the most impressively coloured foliage, with combinations of green, yellow, pink, red, maroon, etc. Coleus also have a wide variety of leaf sizes. This means that no matter where you want to place your coleus, you will be able to find one that is just right.

These plants are great for adding colour to the garden (or home), especially in those dark, drab looking corners. Coleus is probably one of the easiest plants to grow and propagate. In fact, the plants root so easily that you can even make cuttings in a glass of water.

They can also be propagated by seed indoors about eight to ten weeks before the last expected spring frost. Coleus can be added to flowerbeds and borders to give them interest or grown in containers. They need fertile, well-drained soil and tend to perform best in partial shade, although many varieties can also tolerate sun.

When growing coleus, be aware that these beauties can grow quickly. Plant coleus close together as bedding plants or tuck them into baskets and pots for fast, spectacular growth.  Caring for coleus is just as easy. They need to be kept moist, especially newly planted coleus.

Container plants also require more frequent watering than those grown in the garden. Although not necessary, the plants can be given a boost of medium-strength liquid fertiliser during active growth in spring and summer. Their spike-like flowers usually appear in summer; however, these can be removed if desired.

You can also pinch the shoots of young coleus plants to make them grow bushier. Another factor in coleus care is overwintering, as these plants, which are considered tender annuals, are very susceptible to cold temperatures. Therefore, they should be dug up, potted and brought indoors to overwinter or grown from cuttings to establish more plants.