Coleus foliage can be as exciting as flowers

Coleus is one of my favorite plants to use for color in the landscape.

Bold, colorful and completely unfazed by the heat, these plants know how to put on a show. When everything else starts to fade under long, hot afternoons, coleus steps in with layers of color and intricate patterns that keep the garden lively from morning to evening.

The best time to plant coleus is in early spring, so shop now for selections to add to your landscape.

Coleus comes in an incredible range of varieties and colors, giving gardeners almost endless creative freedom. You can find leaves splashed with lime green and deep purple, edged in creamy white, or boldly patterned with hot pink, crimson and near-black tones.

Some varieties feature sharply defined centers with contrasting margins, while others display a marbled or feathered look where colors blend and swirl together like watercolors. Whether your style leans toward soft and subtle or bright and dramatic, there is a coleus variety that fits perfectly.

Leaf shapes vary just as much, from broad and rounded to narrow and deeply serrated. These shapes add even more texture to the mix.

A variety that truly turns up the heat is Volcanica Redhead.

This coleus lives up to its fiery name with intense shades of glowing red and deep crimson that radiate from the center of each leaf. The saturated color is often accented by darker margins that add depth.

In the landscape, Volcanica Redhead commands attention from across the yard. It performs exceptionally well in sunny locations, holding its vivid tones even under the strong Southern sun, making it a reliable choice for bold summer displays.

For those who appreciate a more classic yet equally eye-catching look, Kingswood Torch is a standout.

Its foliage features deep, velvety red centers surrounded by a distinct border of bright, almost neon green. The contrast between the two colors gives each leaf a glowing effect, as if it were lit from within.

The leaves themselves are broad and slightly serrated, adding texture along with color. Kingswood Torch works beautifully in containers and landscape beds, where its defined pattern provides structure and contrast among softer plantings.

Then there is Lux Ruby Sparkle, a variety that brings elegance and shimmer to the garden.

The foliage is a rich ruby red, but what sets it apart is the subtle layering of colors within each leaf. Hints of dark maroon and light red create a multidimensional effect, giving the plant a soft, almost sparkling appearance when the light hits it just right.

The edges are gently scalloped, giving a refined texture that pairs well with both bold and delicate companions. Lux Ruby Sparkle is perfect for gardeners who want strong color with a slightly more polished, sophisticated feel.

Coleus proves that foliage can be just as exciting as flowers, and you can use them to create a garden that is rich in color, texture and personality all season long. Where heat and humidity are a challenge, coleus shines as a dependable choice.