BIG RED JUDY
(3 0 -4 8 " tall)
‘INKY
FIN G ER S
(1 2 -2 4 " ta ll)
‘CHO CO LATE
DROP’
(1 2 -1 6 " ta ll)
‘GAYS D E L IG H T
(2 4 -3 6 " ta ll)
FERN
‘FLQR1DA.SÜN
SPLASH ’
(12 -1 8" ta ll)
‘M ERLOT’
(
1 2
-
14
' tall)
KONG RED
(12 - i 8 " ta ll)
outdoors
plant
ings
’ tj& i
«
9
'
C o le u s k n o w -h o w
SHOPPING
Look for myriad coleus varieties at garden
centers in spring—buy only stocky, well-
branched plants. Check the plant tag for
each cultivads sun tolerance, height, and
spacing requirements. For containers,
purchase an all-purpose potting soil.
PLANTING
Coleus needs fertile, well-drained soil for
optimal growth. Before planting, loosen
garden soil with a spading fork and mix
in a generous amount of compost. If
planting in spring wait until all danger of
frost has passed.
GROWING
Water as necessary to keep soil moist
but not soggy. Containers may need to
be watered daily. In the garden, mulch
plants to conserve soil moisture and
shade out weeds. Feed every two weeks
with a balanced fertilizer.
IOO
JULY 2010 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS
