Coleus, known for its striking foliage, is a popular choice for adding vibrant color. The “Kong” series stands out due to its impressive size and bold appearance, creating a significant visual impact.
Distinctive Features of Coleus Kong Scarlet
Coleus ‘Kong Scarlet’ has exceptionally large leaves, often 8 to 10 inches or more. Its rich burgundy or scarlet center transitions to light green or chartreuse edges. The foliage often displays a velvety texture and pronounced veins, making it a prominent focal point.
Cultivating Coleus Kong Scarlet
Light Requirements
‘Kong Scarlet’ coleus thrives in partial to full shade. Its large leaves are prone to scorching in intense, direct sunlight, especially in hotter climates. Dappled sunlight or consistent shade helps maintain vibrant leaf coloration and prevents burn.
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, as standing water can lead to root rot. Regular watering is crucial for container plants, which dry out more quickly. Wilting leaves indicate insufficient watering, while yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering.
Soil Needs
This coleus prefers loose, fertile, and well-drained soil. A slightly acidic to neutral pH is suitable. Incorporating organic matter, such as compost, enhances fertility and improves drainage.
Temperature and Humidity
Coleus ‘Kong Scarlet’ is a warm-season plant that does not tolerate frost. It thrives in temperatures above 50°F (10°C) and warm, humid conditions. In cold winter regions, grow it as an annual outdoors or overwinter it indoors.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization supports vigorous growth and vibrant foliage. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. For container plants, incorporate a slow-release granular fertilizer into the potting mix at the season’s start.
General Maintenance
Pinch back growing tips to promote bushier, denser growth and prevent legginess. Remove developing flower buds to direct energy into colorful foliage rather than seeds.
Optimal Placement and Design
‘Kong Scarlet’ coleus grows to about 18-20 inches tall and 15-18 inches wide. Its substantial size and coarse texture provide strong contrast against finer-leaved plants.
Outdoor Use
Outdoors, ‘Kong Scarlet’ is suitable for garden beds in shaded or partially shaded areas. It works well as a background plant in mixed borders or as a focal point in mass plantings. Its upright, mounding habit also makes it suitable for large containers, acting as a “thriller” plant in mixed arrangements.
Indoor Use
‘Kong Scarlet’ can thrive indoors with bright, indirect light. Its large leaves and vibrant color make it a decorative addition. Ensure it has enough space to accommodate its mature size.
Companion Planting
‘Kong Scarlet’ pairs well with other shade-loving plants offering contrasting textures or colors. Begonias, impatiens, fuchsias, and sweet potato vine (Ipomoea) are good companions in mixed containers or garden beds.
Multiplying Your Coleus Kong Scarlet
Propagating ‘Kong Scarlet’ from stem cuttings is an effective way to create new plants. The best time for propagation is during the active growing season.
To take a cutting, select a healthy stem that is 4 to 6 inches long with several sets of leaves. Make a clean cut just below a node. Remove leaves from the bottom 1 to 2 inches of the cutting to expose the nodes.
Cuttings can be rooted in either water or soil. For water rooting, place prepared cuttings in a glass of water, ensuring nodes are submerged. Change water every few days to prevent bacterial growth. Roots form within one to two weeks.
For soil rooting, plant cuttings directly into a small pot with moist, well-draining potting mix. Place the potted cutting in a warm location with indirect light and maintain consistent soil moisture. Once rooted, transplant new plants into larger containers or garden beds.
Addressing Common Challenges
Leggy Growth
Leggy growth, with long, stretched stems and sparse foliage, often indicates insufficient light. Move the plant to a brighter location with more indirect light. Regularly pinching back growing tips helps manage this.
Fading Color
Fading leaf colors can be caused by too much or too little light. Excessive direct sun bleaches colors, while too much shade results in duller hues. Adjusting the plant’s location to optimal partial shade helps restore rich coloration. Nutrient deficiencies also contribute; a consistent fertilization schedule addresses this.
Pests
Coleus can be affected by aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. Regular inspection, especially of leaf undersides, helps early detection. For minor infestations, a strong water spray can dislodge pests. For persistent problems, apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap as directed.
Disease
While generally robust, ‘Kong Scarlet’ coleus can be susceptible to fungal diseases like root rot. Ensure proper soil drainage and avoid overwatering. Good air circulation also deters fungal issues. If disease appears, remove affected parts and improve environmental conditions.