How To Gardening Plant Portraits Miniature coleus

Miniature coleus

By Angela Cotey | December 22, 2023

A familiar annual is available in hundreds of varieties

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Latin name: Solenostemon scutellarioides
Common name: Miniature coleus
Growth rate: Varies
Plant type: Annual
Cultural needs: Full sun to partial shade, moderate water

miniature coleus
Pat Hayward photo

Coleus plants aren’t just for windowsills and border edging anymore. Hundreds of exciting varieties are now available from specialty growers, offering an amazing array of colors and textures for gardens everywhere. Miniature varieties with tiny leaves and extremely slow growth are perfect for garden railroaders looking for a change of pace. The smallest varieties can be planted as little foundation shrubs, or pruned up into colorful small-scale landscape trees. Grow the smoky-colored selections in shadier sites, the brighter colored plants in sun for best results. Best miniature choices for garden railroads include Cantigny Royale, Purple Duckfoot, India Frills, Dark Frills, Charlie McCarthy, Kiwi Fern, and Kiwi Fruite.

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