ColorBlaze coleus make a big, reliable garden impact

Coleus are often used in the background for foliage, but I think they deserve attention for their bold foliage and personality.

During a recent visit to the Mississippi State University South Mississippi Branch Experiment Station in Poplarville, I found myself drawn in by a stunning display of ColorBlaze coleus. Their rich textures and vibrant colors lit up the trial garden, and I couldn’t help but stop and admire them up close.

The first one that caught my eye was ColorBlaze Royale Pineapple Brandy. This plant absolutely glowed with bright chartreuse and yellow leaves veined with a deep burgundy that gave them a hand-painted look. The scalloped edges and textured surface added even more interest.

Royale Pineapple Brandy has a compact, tidy shape and grows 18 to 24 inches tall and wide. Its dense form gives it a tidy, polished look in the garden.

Next, I came across ColorBlaze Wicked Witch. The name fits perfectly, as there is something dramatic and mysterious about this plant. The leaves are a deep, rich burgundy with bright chartreuse ruffled edges that seem to glow in contrast.

Wicked Witch grows taller than Royale Pineapple Brandy, reaching 24 to 36 inches. This makes it a great choice for the middle or back of a bed or as the thriller plant in a container arrangement. Wicked Witch thrives in both sun and shade.

My favorite of all the coleus might be ColorBlaze El Brighto. This plant is pure fun and practically glows with personality.

Its long, serrated leaves give it a bold, textured presence, and the colors are nothing short of electric. Vivid magenta streaks mingle with deep burgundy tones, while lime green edges and splashes of golden yellow light up the foliage like a fireworks display.

El Brighto is a kaleidoscope of color. Each leaf is uniquely patterned, bringing the whole plant alive with energy. The colors shift a bit as the season goes on, so the plant always has something new to offer.

This coleus variety grows big and full, up to 36 inches tall and wide, and it is perfect for a large container or as a bold focal point in the garden. With proper care, it will stay colorful throughout the summer and fall.

With regular watering and a little slow-release fertilizer at planting time, these coleus varieties will thrive in your garden. I pinch a few branches off my coleus once or twice early in the season to help them branch out, and after that, they take care of themselves.

These coleus varieties are more than just pretty plants. They are reliable and low maintenance, making a big impact as they keep your garden looking fresh and colorful until first frost. You won’t be disappointed if you give ColorBlaze coleus a try.