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perennial

Marquee Special Effects Coleus

Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Special Effects'

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Marquee Special Effects Coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Special Effects') at Green Thumb Nursery

Marquee Special Effects Coleus foliage

Marquee Special Effects Coleus foliage

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Marquee Special Effects Coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Special Effects') at Green Thumb Nursery

Marquee Special Effects Coleus foliage

Marquee Special Effects Coleus foliage

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  20 inches

Spacing:  14 inches

Sunlight:  partial shade  full shade 

Hardiness Zone:  9b

Group/Class:  Marquee Series

Brand:  Ball

Description:

Bold colors in a compact plant make this striking variety ideal for small pots and mixed containers; great garden performance in sun or shade

Ornamental Features

Marquee Special Effects Coleus' attractive serrated pointy leaves remain light green in color with showy dark brown variegation and tinges of hot pink throughout the year on a plant with a mounded habit of growth.

Landscape Attributes

Marquee Special Effects Coleus is an herbaceous evergreen perennial with a mounded form. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant. The flowers of this plant may actually detract from its ornamental features, so they can be removed as they appear. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Marquee Special Effects Coleus is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • Border Edging
  • General Garden Use
  • Container Planting
  • Hanging Baskets

Planting & Growing

Marquee Special Effects Coleus will grow to be about 20 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 18 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 14 inches apart. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 5 years. As an evegreen perennial, this plant will typically keep its form and foliage year-round.

This plant does best in a location that gets morning sunlight but is shaded from the hot afternoon sun, although it will also grow in full shade. Keep it away from hot, dry locations that receive direct afternoon sun or which get reflected sunlight, such as against the south side of a white wall. It requires an evenly moist well-drained soil for optimal growth, but will die in standing water. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in rich soils. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone over the growing season to conserve soil moisture. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America. It can be propagated by cuttings; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.

Marquee Special Effects Coleus is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor containers and hanging baskets. It can be used either as 'filler' or as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination, depending on the height and form of the other plants used in the container planting. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Massing  Edging  Garden  Container  Basket 
Applications
Foliage Color 
Ornamental Features