The Types of Coleus Plants

Old Types

• The old types of coleus fell out of favor due to their dislike of direct sun and their unattractive blooming habits. When planted in sunny spots, their colors would often fade and discolor or become muddy. The flowers of the coleus are small and grow on spikes above the plant; at the point of flowering, the plant often becomes leggy and unattractive as it focuses energy on flower and seed production. Flowering happens in late summer, which puts an early end to the coleus' beauty as a bedding plant unless flower buds are removed promptly.

New Types

• Hybridization of the coleus has introduced the sun-loving series of plants. Not only do these plants thrive in sunny beds and gardens, flowering has also been reduced so they retain their beauty much longer into the season. The new types have as wide or wider variety of colors, shapes and sizes as the old plants, and tolerate a wide range of climates as annuals.

Landscape Types

• These coleus include the Solar and Sun-lover series of plants. The Sun-lover series was introduced in 1993 and the Solar series was introduced in 1994. The latter grow to heights of about 40 inches. Plant names in these series include but are not limited to "Red Ruffles," "Rustic Orange," "Gay's Delight," "Solar Eclipse," "Solar Flare" and "Solar Mist." They come in a wide variety of leaf colors and variations, and stand up well to oppressive heat.

Groundcovers and Containers

• Coleus types suited to use as groundcovers are those that mound and do not grow too tall. When mounded, the plants hold a nice rounded shape without too much branching, like the duck's foot coleus. Spaced to allow for the individual's mature size, they make beautiful border plants. Trailing coleus grow to be as much as 15 inches tall, and when planted in containers or hanging baskets, they fall and trail over the side. When planting coleus, choose colors that will accent the other flowers and foliage in your garden to make extraordinary color pairings that will be an eye-catching delight.