[Image: kong rose coleus]Coleus have been all the rage for 10 years or so. Most of the new coleus that have come on the market recently have been sun-loving or sun-type coleus. But a new coleus for shade has been impressive in LSU AgCenter trials at Burden Center in Baton Rouge.
The Kong group of coleus was new in 2004. This is a shade coleus, propagated by seed, that looks like it is a sun coleus. Most shade-loving coleus are smaller and less vigorous that sun coleus. The Kongs are exceptions – big leaves on vibrantly colored big plants.
The Kong series of coleus will not thrive in sun; fading andsun burn on the foliage will occur. Plant them in a location where morning sun may occasionally appear. Midday, afternoon and late summer evenings, the plants should be located in a partially shaded to fully shaded area. The Kong coleus is available in red, rose, mosaic and scarlet.
These popular foliage plants can be planted in the spring after danger of frost has passed. Attempt to complete planting by May, but you can still plant coleus all the way through the summer and early fall and expect good results. Plant about 18 inches apart, and add an application of a slow-release fertilizer at planting. Coleus are grown for foliage, not flowers. Prune the terminal growing tips of the plants shoots about every four to six weeks to encourage lateral branching and more compact growth. This pinching also slows flower spike development. Kong coleus will start flowering in mid to late summer. Frost will kill coleus in the late fall.
Overall, the Kong coleus will be easy to grow and a great addition to a low or medium maintenance landscape. They will work well in containers also.