VANDERMEER

PLANT LIBRARY

Find the perfect plant for your space by browsing through this extensive selection that we typically carry every year.

This library is for information purposes only.

 
annual

Kong Scarlet Coleus

Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Kong Scarlet'

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Kong Scarlet Coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Kong Scarlet') at Vandermeer Nursery

Kong Scarlet Coleus foliage

Kong Scarlet Coleus foliage

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Kong Scarlet Coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Kong Scarlet') at Vandermeer Nursery

Kong Scarlet Coleus foliage

Kong Scarlet Coleus foliage

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  20 inches

Spacing:  14 inches

Sunlight:  partial shade  full shade 

Hardiness Zone:  (annual)

Group/Class:  Kong Series

Brand:  Ball

Ornamental Features

Kong Scarlet Coleus' attractive large serrated pointy leaves remain burgundy in colour with distinctive light green edges and tinges of scarlet throughout the year on a plant with an upright spreading habit of growth.

Landscape Attributes

Kong Scarlet 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.

Kong Scarlet Coleus is recommended for the following landscape applications;

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

Planting & Growing

Kong Scarlet 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. Although it's not a true annual, this fast-growing plant can be expected to behave as an annual in our climate if left outdoors over the winter, usually needing replacement the following year. As such, gardeners should take into consideration that it will perform differently than it would in its native habitat.

This plant does best in partial shade to shade. It requires an evenly moist well-drained soil for optimal growth, but will die in standing water. 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.

Kong Scarlet Coleus is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor containers and hanging baskets. 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. 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  Texture 
Ornamental Features

** Plants listed may not be in stock at all times. **

Please contact us directly for current stock availability.
 
Our inventory varies seasonally and we cannot guarantee that every plant will be in stock at all times. To confirm if we have the plant that you're looking for, please call (905) 427-2525 or e-mail  us at info@vandermeernursery.com.
 
Remember, this library does not include our entire selection. Visit us year-round to check out varieties that may not be listed here!