The ‘Coleus Giant Exhibition’ series offers visually striking ornamental plants, bringing vibrant color and unique texture to gardens and indoor spaces. Popular for their ease of growth, they provide an impressive foliage display.
What Makes It Unique
‘Coleus Giant Exhibition’ varieties are distinguished by their large leaves, often 6-7 inches long and 4 inches wide. This substantial foliage creates a bold visual statement. Leaves feature a diverse palette of colors, including burgundy, scarlet, maroon, bronze, cream, pink, white, and green, frequently with intricate veining or serrated edges.
These plants grow robustly upright, reaching 12-20 inches tall and spreading 10-15 inches wide. Their compact, full form suits various garden applications, such as prominent specimens in containers, borders, or mass plantings.
Essential Care Guide
Light
‘Coleus Giant Exhibition’ varieties thrive in partial to light shade, where colors develop intensely. While they can tolerate full sun in cooler climates, excessive direct sunlight can lead to color fading. Indoors, a well-lit window provides adequate light without scorching.
Watering
Consistent moisture is important, though avoid waterlogging. Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Container plants may need more frequent watering, up to twice daily in hot weather, due to quicker soil drying.
Soil
A well-draining, rich, and moist soil mix is ideal. Amending the soil with compost or other organic matter enhances both drainage and fertility. These plants prefer a soil pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral, typically between 6.0 and 7.0.
Fertilization
Regular feeding with a balanced all-purpose fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula, supports healthy growth and vibrant foliage. Apply monthly during the spring and summer growing season after watering. Slow-release fertilizers can also be incorporated for sustained nutrient release.
Temperature and Humidity
Originating from tropical regions, ‘Coleus Giant Exhibition’ prefers warm environments. They are sensitive to cold temperatures and do not tolerate frost. For outdoor cultivation, plant them after the last danger of frost has passed, when temperatures consistently remain above 60°F (15°C).
Pruning and Maintenance
Regular pinching of the growing tips encourages bushier growth and prevents the plants from becoming leggy. This practice redirects the plant’s energy into developing more side shoots, resulting in a denser and more compact form.
Removing flower stalks as they emerge is important. Coleus flowers are generally insignificant and divert energy away from foliage production, the plant’s main ornamental feature. This ensures the plant continues to produce lush, vibrant leaves throughout the growing season.
Propagating New Plants
Propagating ‘Coleus Giant Exhibition’ is straightforward using stem cuttings. Take a cutting from a healthy stem with a few leaves. Remove the leaves from the lower half, leaving one or two at the top.
The prepared cuttings can be rooted in water or soil. For water rooting, place the cutting in a glass of water, ensuring only the bare stem is submerged; roots typically develop within two to three weeks. For soil rooting, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, then insert it into moist potting mix. Covering the potted cutting with a clear plastic dome or bag helps maintain humidity, promoting successful rooting.
Addressing Common Problems
Leggy growth (stretched stems, sparse foliage) often results from insufficient light or lack of pinching. Increase light exposure and consistently pinch back growing tips to correct this.
Fading leaf color indicates too much direct sunlight (especially in hotter climates) or nutrient deficiency. Move the plant to a shadier location or provide balanced fertilizer to restore vibrancy.
Common pests include aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs, which are sap-sucking insects.
Aphids can be dislodged with water or treated with insecticidal soap. Spider mites (fine webbing, discolored leaves) also respond to insecticidal soap. Mealybugs (white, cottony masses) can be removed with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Regular inspection helps early detection and effective treatment.