Solenostemon Gays Delight (Coleus)

Incredibly showy, Solenostemon ‘Gay’s Delight’ (Coleus) is a tropical evergreen tender subshrub boasting soft lime-green leaves adorned with black venation. In summer, flower spikes bear small blue-purple flowers.

Incredibly showy, Solenostemon 'Gay's Delight' (Coleus) is a tropical evergreen tender subshrub boasting soft lime-green leaves adorned with black venation. In summer, flower spikes bear small blue-purple flowers. However, many people feel that coleus look best before they flower. Easy to grow, low maintenance, heat tolerant, Coleus is terrific as a bedding annual or planted in containers where it never fails to add drama. Bring indoors for winter beyond its hardiness range.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
  • Grows up to 24-36 in. tall (60-90 cm) and 12-16 in. wide (30-40 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun or part shade in humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils.
  • Perfect addition to beds and borders or containers.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for mealybugs and mites.
  • Pinch out tips to encourage bushiness. Cut back if bringing indoors for winter.
  • Propagate by seed in early spring (cultivars may not come true) or by softwood cuttings in summer.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.

Requirements

Hardiness 10
– 12

Heat Zones 1
– 11

Climate Zones 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Annuals, Shrubs
Plant Family Solenostemon – Coleus
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 2'
– 3'
(60cm
– 90cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 12″
– 16″
(30cm
– 40cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Attracts Birds, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers