Coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides ‘Meandering Linda’) sol-en-oh-STEM-on skoot-el-lar-ee-OY-deez Synonyms:  Coleus blumei var. verschaffeltii Genus:  Solenostemon ‘Meandering Linda’, a close cousin of  Solenostemon ‘Red Trailing Queen’ , grows 16 inches tall and bears crinkly, chocolate-purple leaves banded in rich raspberry-pink, with touches of cream along the edges. It makes a scrumptious duo with anything silver, especially the elegant silver-white foliage of dusty miller ( Centaurea cineraria ‘Colchester White’ , Zones 7–11). ‘Meandering Linda’ appears to be a sport of ‘Red Trailing Queen’, and if planted in less than half-day sun, it sometimes reverts to its plain burgundy form. Noteworthy Characteristics:  May be overwintered indoors where not hardy. Coleus have been popular since Victorian times or earlier. Crinkly, richly colored leaves. Care:  Coleus likes warm soils with decent drainage, and these plants are not happy in overly dry conditions. Grow in full sun to medium shade; their colors are most vivid in full sun. Half-day sun produces softer colors that are still very appealing. Plants grown in too much sun may wilt, and plants grown in too much shade may become leggy. Pinch off flowers to retain shape and to keep attention on foliage. Propagation:  Sow seed on the soil's surface at 72-75°F in early spring. Root softwood cuttings from late spring to autumn. Problems:  Mealybugs, scale insects, and whiteflies may be a problem under glass. No serious insect or disease problems.

Overview

Height 1 ft. to 3 ft. Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft. Growth Habit Clumps Growth Pace Moderate Grower Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Medium Moisture Maintenance Moderate Characteristics Showy Foliage Bloom Time Summer Flower Color Blue, White Foliage Color Colorful/Burgundy Foliage, Evergreen Uses Beds and Borders, Container, Indoor Plant, Specimen Plant/Focal Point, Suitable as Annual Style Formal Garden Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Type Perennials