The colored nettle impresses less with its flowers than with its extremely decorative foliage, which shines in different colors depending on the species. It is usually kept as a houseplant, but it is also suitable for summer planting in the garden.

The Coleus is a colorful plant for the garden

With a size of about 30 - 80 cm and a wide variety of colors, it can be easily combined with other bedding plants. In principle, the colored nettle is perennial, but some hybrids are offered as annual plants. If you are not sure whether you will get your colored nettle through the winter well, then pull new plants from cuttings in good time.

When do I plant the coleus in the garden?

Since the colored nettle is very sensitive to cold, it should be planted in the garden at the earliest at the end of May after the ice saints, when the temperatures no longer fall below 15 °C at night. If you live in a very cool area, you may prefer to plant your coleus in a container. This means you always have the option of placing your plant in a warm place or bringing it into the house overnight.

Where do I plant the coleus in my garden?

The coleus loves warmth and light. So your location should be bright and warm. However, avoid places in the blazing midday sun, where the leaves of the coleus burn too easily. The soil should be permeable and nutrient-rich for this plant, you are welcome to help with some compost or fertilizer. The warmer the colored nettle is, the more it can be watered.

The coleus on the balcony

The coleus is also well suited for planting in balcony boxes (€109.00). With its colored foliage, it can be perfectly combined with other plants. But also different colored nettles planted together result in a harmonious or colorful picture, depending on the composition.

The most important planting tips for the colored nettle:

  • not hardy
  • only plant after the ice saints
  • warm bright location
  • nutrient-rich, well-drained soil

tips

If you want to hibernate your colored nettle successfully, then bring the plant to its winter quarters in good time before the temperature drops below 15 °C permanently.

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