Twigs from my garden

Okay, so it's that time of summer when the annuals you planted with such grandiose hopes last spring, that looked so gorgeous when they were newly planted, are now beginning to bear the brunt of "summer stress" - extremes in heat, typical Ohio winds and insufficient watering. (Remember that week you went on vacation and didn't hire anyone to water your outside plants? And, it never rained a drop for the entire week?) Now is the time to evaluate the annuals you placed in those beautiful containers and hanging baskets in May or June. It's time to consider whether you want to change your plans on what to plant where next summer. Perhaps some annuals look so sickly, you want to replace those that just didn't fare as well as you had expected.

Personally, I'm thinking about replacing some tired-looking annuals with coleus. What? Coleus, that old-fashioned, more-foliage-than-flower plant that used to grow as a houseplant in your grandmother's parlor window or as a filler in your mother's perennial shade garden? Yes, that's the one! Because, actually, coleus (Solenostemum spp.) can be grown in full sun or in shade and in less than perfect conditions if you choose the right varieties.

In the 90s, University of Georgia's trial gardens evaluated more than 50 newer varieties that emerged since the phenomenal revival of coleus several years ago. The horticulturist in charge said "from Miami to Montreal" those coleus with vibrant colors will "grow vigorously under the hot sun" and boasts, "you can't go wrong with any of them."

Hot varieties

Among the Sunlovers Series, "Red Ruffles," "Rustic Orange," "Gay's Delight" and dainty, low-growing "Thumbelina" attracted attention and earned high marks for consistent performance from the team of evaluators. "Red Ruffles" proved to the most outstanding of its season, defying heat, humidity, drought, rain, insects and diseases.

Solar series: Like the Sunlovers, the Solar varieties stay bright and upright through hot summer days in the sun. These include "Solar Morning Mist," with leaves that are white and green in the center and scarlet on the tip and edges, and "Solar Sunrise," with light green centers and purplish pink leaves. The serrated deep-green leaves of "Solar Flair" also won the George Gold award.
The Ducksfoot series has flattened foliage shaped a bit like duck feet. The standard variety in this group, "Indian Frills," has green leaves that are tinged with purple. The leaves of "Purple" are a cool deep grayish purple. Both of these varieties are smaller than Sunlover and Solar varieties - growing no taller than 18 inches high - and they also have smaller leaves, which makes them more drought tolerant than the others.

The Aurora series are "heat hardy" and grow in fruit-luscious colors as "Peach," "Raspberry" and "Black Cherry."

Then there are the Independents - varieties with whimsical, magical and outrageous names. "Alabama Sunset" is unbeatable for its outstanding pastel colors and vigorous growth. Even in the shade, where its leaves turn almost completely red, it is eye-catching. "Pat Martin," which has elegant purple leaves that are edged with green, adds class to the gaudy independents. If you have a spot for a flashier plant, consider "Leopard," which is purple with green edges and white speckles.

Coleus care

Coleus, which originated in Africa and Asia, planted in compost-enriched soil that drains well, should thrive with minimal attention. For bushier coleus, pinch off flower stalks and spindly stems. Coleus can be used in hanging baskets, containers, for borders and as filler among other flowers in their beds. Just be sure to check the height and width of the plant since some might overwhelm small containers. Keep in mind in picking out coleus, the hotter colors do very well in full sun; the cooler colors will grow in the shade.

Overall, whether Coleus is planted in full sun or in full shade, it's a really cool plant!

Event

On Tuesday, master gardener Jan Sorenson will speak on "Garden Photography" from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. in the gazebo of the Allen County Children's Garden behind the museum on West Market Street, Lima. The Brown Bag series is held every Tuesday throughout the summer. Bring a lawn chair and your lunch if you wish, as you learn more about gardening.

Master Gardener Tip of the Week

A "series" is a named group of annuals that share most of the same characteristics but differs from another within the series by one, rarely more, characteristic (usually color).