Coleus

Height: 6-36"

Position: Sun to partial shade

Soil: Average to moist soil

Spread: usually equal to height

Spacing: 8-12 inches

Planting out: Once soil has warmed

Coleus are one of the most valuable annuals available for those less-than-sunny spots. Coleus is grown for its marvelous foliage—the leaves are the show—and over the years new hybrids have expanded the palette to include a stunning rainbow of colors and patterns. Newer varieties flourish in full sun, but the many tried-and-true, shade-loving specimens are the most useful for adding exotic color and texture to woodland plantings, pots, flower boxes and other containers placed in shade.