Plant Library

Group/Class:  ColorBlaze® Series

Brand:  Proven Winners

Description:

This stunning selection features orange foliage with ruffled, toothed edges; perfect for patio containers, and gardens; sun or shade this plant will showcase its eye catching color all season long

Ornamental Features

ColorBlaze® Wicked Hot™ Coleus' attractive serrated pointy leaves remain orange in color with hints of coppery-bronze throughout the year on a plant with an upright spreading habit of growth.

Landscape Attributes

ColorBlaze® Wicked Hot™ Coleus is an herbaceous annual with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively coarse texture can be used to stand it apart from other garden plants with finer foliage.

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.

ColorBlaze® Wicked Hot™ Coleus is recommended for the following landscape applications;

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

Planting & Growing

ColorBlaze® Wicked Hot™ Coleus will grow to be about 28 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 24 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 20 inches apart. This fast-growing annual will normally live for one full growing season, needing replacement the following year.

This plant does best in partial shade to full shade. Keep it well 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 does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate 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. 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.

ColorBlaze® Wicked Hot™ Coleus is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. With its upright habit of growth, it is best suited for use as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.