Coleus, a genus known for its vibrant and diverse foliage, offers many options for gardeners. The ‘Great Falls Yosemite’ cultivar stands out with its unique appearance and graceful, trailing habit, making it a popular choice for adding color to landscapes.
Understanding Coleus Great Falls Yosemite
The ‘Great Falls Yosemite’ coleus features captivating, intricate foliage patterns. Its small, rounded leaves are chartreuse green, variegated with lemon yellow centers and faint cherry red veining. Some variations include yellow leaves with jagged green edges or spreading reddish-pink and green foliage. This cultivar exhibits an upright spreading to mounding habit, growing 8 to 12 inches tall and spreading 12 to 24 inches. Its constrained growth and semi-trailing nature make it an excellent candidate for gently cascading over the edges of combination pots, hanging baskets, or as ground cover.
Caring for Your Coleus Great Falls Yosemite
Light Needs
Optimal light conditions are important for ‘Great Falls Yosemite’ to maintain vibrant foliage and healthy growth. This cultivar performs best in part sun to high shade, receiving bright, indirect light. While some coleus varieties tolerate full sun, excessive direct sunlight can burn or fade ‘Great Falls Yosemite’ leaves, diminishing their characteristic hues.
Watering Requirements
Consistent moisture is important for ‘Great Falls Yosemite’ coleus. Keep the soil evenly moist, but never waterlogged, as soggy conditions can lead to root issues. Check soil moisture regularly, especially during warmer months, and water when the top inch or two feels dry. Proper drainage in containers is essential.
Soil Preferences
‘Great Falls Yosemite’ thrives in rich, well-draining potting mix or garden soil amended with organic matter. Good drainage is paramount to prevent water retention around the roots. While not particularly sensitive to soil pH, it performs best in fertile soils that provide adequate aeration for root development.
Temperature and Humidity
As a tropical plant, ‘Great Falls Yosemite’ coleus prefers warm temperatures, ideally between 70°F and 100°F. It is sensitive to cold and typically grown as an annual in regions where temperatures drop below 60°F or where frost is a concern. In cooler climates, wait until night temperatures are consistently above 60°F before planting outdoors.
Fertilizing
For continuous growth and vibrant foliage, ‘Great Falls Yosemite’ benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer at half-strength every two weeks, or use a timed-release fertilizer. Established plants may only need an occasional application of general-purpose fertilizer early in the growing season.
Pruning and Shaping
Regular pruning promotes a bushier growth habit and maintains the desired shape for ‘Great Falls Yosemite’ coleus. Pinching back growing tips encourages more side shoots, preventing legginess and creating a denser specimen. Coleus plants produce flower spikes, which can detract from the foliage’s ornamental appeal and may signal the plant is nearing the end of its life cycle. Removing these flower buds as they appear extends the plant’s vigor and lifespan.
Propagating Coleus Great Falls Yosemite
Propagating ‘Great Falls Yosemite’ is straightforward using stem cuttings. Select a healthy, non-flowering stem 4 to 6 inches long, cutting just below a leaf node. Remove leaves from the bottom inch or two to expose the nodes. Root cuttings in water or directly in moist, well-draining potting mix. Once roots develop, transplant young plants into containers or their garden location.
Troubleshooting Common Coleus Issues
Gardeners may encounter common issues when growing ‘Great Falls Yosemite’ coleus. Fading leaf color often indicates too much direct sunlight; move the plant to a shadier location to restore vibrancy. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth, which regular pinching can mitigate. Wilting signals either too much or too little water; check soil moisture before adjusting. While generally deer resistant, pests like aphids or mealybugs can occur, managed with insecticidal soap or physical removal.