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Colorful Coleus

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October 24, 2021

In the fall season coleus really shine in the landscape. Let’s take a look at some really great selections. Here at the South Mississippi Branch Station in Poplarville, there’s always a great display of coleus foliage to enjoy. A coleus that I didn’t initially like but have changed my mind is Electric Lime. After watching this plant over the years I have developed a new appreciation. This was selected as a Mississippi Medallion winner in 2010. Electric Lime has pretty coarsely serrated lime green leaves with distinctive vein patterns that really shine through the growing season. I really like the uniquely shaped leaves of the Under the Sea series. A really good-looking selection is Coral Copper. The deeply lobed foliage is a hot combination of brilliant coppery red/orange and edged in fiery yellow and neon green. It sports a deep purple midvein abruptly changing to magenta at the transition from orange to yellow. Surprise Two foliage has large soft serrations. The colorful leaves have dark purple centers with blotchy pink accents with bright green margins and variable veining. Dizzy Gillespie provides a bold statement in the landscape. The coarse leaves have rounded serrations on the edges. The foliage color is a deep purplish maroon with a variable dark pink center splash and veining. Wizard Jade coleus is an attractive selection with leaves that remain forest green in color with hints of creamy white splotches all throughout the growing season. In the fall of the year it’s common for coleus to start flowering. To tidy the plants up all you have to do is come in and pinch those out. I’m MSU Extension horticulture specialist Gary Bachman and I’ll see you next time on Southern Gardening.

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