Coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides ‘Trailing Bleeding Heart’) sol-en-oh-STEM-on skoot-el-lar-ee-OY-deez Synonyms:  Coleus blumei var. verschaffeltii Genus:  Solenostemon The 14-inch-tall cultivar ‘Trailing Bleeding Heart’ has hot fuchsia-pink leaves ringed with purple and a band of lime green. Noteworthy Characteristics:  May be overwintered indoors where not hardy. Coleus has been popular since Victorian times or earlier. 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 flower spikes to retain plant's shape and to avoid distracting from the beautiful foliage. Propagation:  Sow seed on the soil's surface at 72° to 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. Plants grown in too much sun may wilt. Plants grown in too much shade may become leggy.

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