Texas in September renewed my appreciation of coleus, a favorite summer foliage plant. Throughout Dallas and Fort Worth, coleuses were planted in sunny gardens, unfazed by brutal heat.
For years, 'Wizard Mix' was about the only coleus you could find, and it was sold as a bedding plant. Marketed as a no-pinch, shade-loving annual, 'Wizard Mix' grows about 10 inches tall, in several colors.
Today's sun-loving coleuses grow 3 to 4 feet tall. These premium annuals are sold in 4-inch or larger pots. A lot of people don't like coleus flowers, which are blue stalks that resemble salvia or mint. These newer coleuses are bred to delay flowering until late in the season.
Coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides) has hundreds of foliage colors and patterns. Select plants for color and size. Check plant tags for sun recommendations.
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