Solenostemon Kong Mix

The plants of Coleus 'Kong' stand out for the size of their leaves, which are larger and therefore more spectacular than those of other varieties. They are richly variegated with vibrant and shimmering shades, highly variable depending on the varieties that make up this mix. These non-hardy perennial plants are grown as indoor plants or in the garden as particularly ornamental annual plants. Sowing them is easy and their cultivation presents no difficulties in a sunny but not scorching position or in partial shade, in soil that remains moist.

Coleus, also known as Solenostemon or Plectranthus, are plants related to nettles and basil. They belong to the mint family, as indicated by their small bilabiate flowers with elongated lower lip, their fleshy square-sectioned stems, and their toothed and velvety leaves on the underside. This genus includes around sixty species of tender shrubby perennials, native to Asia and tropical Africa. Horticulture has given rise to numerous hybrids, among which are those of the 'Kong' series, selected for their highly developed foliage and ease of cultivation.

Coleus 'Kong' form rounded clumps, not exceeding 45 cm (18in) in height and 40 cm (16in) in diameter in one season. They have mixed variegated foliage. Among the colours, there are different shades of green, red, pink to purple, brick, and cream. Each variety redistributes the play of colours in a different way. All these hues are enhanced by the velvety texture of the large leaves. The flowering, fairly discreet, takes place in summer, in the form of small flowers in different shades of blue, white, or pink. It is often recommended to remove these flowers so that the plants do not exhaust themselves producing seeds and maintain a generous foliage.

Coleus, sometimes called 'painted nettle' because of their incredibly diverse foliage, are irreplaceable for bringing a beautiful exotic touch to any planting... in the garden as well as in the house, where they will live for several years. They appreciate a partially shaded position, which can be found on the edge of a bed of tall perennials or shrubs, or in a shady rockery, exposed to the north or east, away from the scorching rays of the sun. They can be used to create small mosaic-like flower beds and pair well with begonias in flower pots. The richness of their colours makes them somewhat difficult to associate: small ferns like Polypodium, Dichondra repens Silver Falls, or purple wandering jew (Tradescantia pallida) will be good companions for the Coleus Kong .