Description
Alabama Sunset Coleus is a stunning, heat-tolerant variety of coleus known for its vibrant, multicolored foliage. The leaves are a striking blend of fiery orange, red, and yellow hues with a green edge, making it a showstopper in containers, borders, or hanging baskets. It adds a splash of tropical color to gardens, especially in areas that receive partial sun or dappled shade.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
Light: Prefers partial sun to full shade. It thrives best in locations with morning sun and afternoon shade, as too much direct afternoon sun can scorch its delicate leaves.
Soil: Moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It does well in slightly acidic to neutral soil.
Water: Needs regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Drought-tolerant once established, but the foliage looks best with consistent moisture.
Temperature: Hardy in USDA zones 10-11, meaning it’s typically grown as an annual in most regions but can thrive year-round in warmer climates.
Maintenance: Coleus is relatively low-maintenance. Pinching back the tips occasionally can help encourage fuller, bushier growth. Deadheading (removing spent flowers) is also recommended to keep the plant looking neat and encourage new growth. It can be prone to pests like aphids, so a quick check for bugs is helpful.
Key Features:
Foliage: The striking foliage is the highlight—bright orange, red, and yellow tones with green edges. The colors become even more intense in bright, but not direct, sunlight.
Flowers: In summer, small spikes of purple or white flowers appear, but they’re usually removed to keep the plant’s focus on the foliage.
Growth Habit: A bushy, upright plant that can reach about 18-36 inches tall and wide, depending on the growing conditions. It’s spreading nature makes it perfect for use as a bedding plant or in containers.
Summary: Alabama Sunset Coleus thrives in USDA hardiness zones 10-11, though it’s usually grown as an annual in cooler climates. It prefers partial sun and moist, well-drained soil, offering vibrant, multicolored foliage that provides a tropical touch to gardens. This coleus is perfect for adding bold color in shaded spots or as part of a mixed container display. With its heat tolerance and low-maintenance care, it’s a favorite for gardeners looking to brighten up shaded or semi-shaded areas.
