Introducing a New Coleus

We occasionally get letters from customers that are excited because they have discovered a new coleus seedling or sport (mutation). I can understand that excitement! We see nifty sports and seedlings from time to time, and of course we always hope that they are something new and unique. However, we have to remember that most new discoveries end up on the compost heap. Appearance is just one of many important factors that we, as gardeners, are looking for. At Rosy Dawn Gardens we are not interested in introducing a plant that is difficult to propagate and cannot be reliably grown in a wide range of conditions. We have to prove to ourselves that any new coleus is a garden-worthy coleus and not just another hot-house beauty that needs to be coddled and protected in order to survive.

At Rosy Dawn Gardens, introducing a new worthwhile variety takes patience and time. First we collect data about the plant so we can create a full description to present to potential buyers. Cuttings of the coleus need to be taken to see how well it propagates. The resulting plants are then grown outdoors during the summer in several different locations: full sun, shade, morning sun, etc. They are grown in the ground and in containers. They are grown both alone and in combination with other coleus and container plants. We take notes about its height at maturity, when and if it blooms, its growing habit (does it grow upright, bushy, or trail?). Then we watch to see how well the plant overwinters. If it does well with the rigors of outdoor life, grows vigorously, resists disease, overwinters well, and propagates easily, then we might have a coleus with more than a pretty face to recommend it! Usually we repeat the process for two to three years before introducing a coleus to commerce.

This year we have introduced a lovely coleus called 'Chloe' (shown), a seedling out of 'Flame Thrower'. She is a bushy coleus with a mounded form and she grows a bit larger than her parent. Her pink color and green edge sparkle just like her namesake: our granddaughter Chloe! We have been evaluating this coleus for two full years and have been very pleased with all facets of her growth habit and vigor. We hope you agree!