SUPERSUN COLEUS:
NEW SUMMERTIME SUPERSTARS IN LANDSCAPE COLOR

For the first time, traditionally shade-loving coleus plants venture out of the shadows this spring with introduction of the new SuperSun cultivars which truly tolerate our hot Texas sun.

Texas A&M Extension specialists conducted field trials for three years and evaluated over 70 cultivars to identify two that are fully sun-tolerant. The winning cultivars are called SuperSun 'Plum Parfait' (pronounced par-fay') and SuperSun 'Burgundy Sun.'

SuperSun 'Plum Parfait' has a beautifully ruffled, lance-shaped leaf which is a purplish-plum color early in the growing season. As summer's heat begins to build, 'Plum Parfait' becomes even more attractive as its leaves develop bold pink margins. This cultivar is best used where the viewer can get rather close to the plant so as to fully appreciate the gorgeous pink highlights.

'Burgundy Sun' is characterized by large, oval to heart-shaped leaves which are deep, rich burgundy in color. This cultivar takes center stage when you want a strong visual impact, especially at a distance (e.g. completely across your backyard).

Their Attributes Abound

• Are very low maintenance for an annual bedding plant
• Are extremely easy to grow (almost foolproof when planted in a well-drained soil and not over watered)
• Are well adapted to all areas of Texas
• Give Excellent performance form dappled shade to full, hot sun
• Naturally assume a pleasing, compact growth habit
• Are not plagued by early or excessive flowering (coleus is grown for its foliage and flowering is considered a detriment)
• Grow in almost any soil, acid or alkaline, if it is well-drained
• Provide landscape color from mid spring well into the fall
• Have no serious insect or disease problems when grown outdoors in properly prepared beds or containers
• Are the first coleus to be designated as "Earth-Kind" by the Texas Extension Service due to their ability to deliver superior landscape performance with an absolute minimum, or even total elimination, of harsh pesticides

Coleus Culture At A Glance

• Above all else, coleus must have good soil drainage. To ensure this, plant on raised beds amended with 4-6 inches of organic material (e.g. compost, tree leaves). Remember, poorly drained soils and watring too often spell disaster for any coleus. Plants suffering from "wet feet" will be stunted, leaves will turn a muddy brown, and leaf margins will be scorched.
• Fertilizer requirements: Base on results of a soil test. If test results not available, apply 2 pounds of a high-nitrogen lawn fertilizer (without any herbicide!) per 100 square feet of bed area. Select a product in which at least half of the nitrogen is in the slow release form. For a mid-summer boost, sidedress with bloodmeal in July according to label directions.
• Space transplants of 'Plum Prfait' and 'Burgundy Sun' 26 inches apart in the sun. For shady locations, space 'Plum Parfait' at 18 inches, 'Burgundy Sun' at 26 inches.
• After planting, mulch entire bed with tree leaves, straw, etc.
• Water in thoroughly at planting. During the first 7-10 days, keep root balls moist but not overly wet. Thereafter, water only when top inch of soil is dry (check with your finger every 3-5 days). Use of soaker hoses is highly recommended.
• When flower buds appear, remove the buds plus the outer 1-2 inches of the stems to keep plants neat.
• Keep in mind that these are annuals and, as such, will be killed by the first hard freeze in the fall.

Uses In The landscape

• With their 3 foot height in full sun, they work well as a massed planting at the back of a bed, or down the middle of a peninsular bed which extends into the yard. In front, plant low-growing annuals with white or pink blossoms for dramatic contrast
• They also provide superior performance in containers. Ensure an adequate number of drain holes, fill container with loose, open potting mix, then add a quality slow-release fertilizer