Coleus breeders have made it very difficult for coleus-lovers to "take just one!" The numerous colors, sizes, and leaf shapes available today might just make one crazy in trying to determine what to plant. Known for the foliage, these versatile shade plants also tolerate much more sun than varieties from years ago. "Back in the day" one could only find the 'Wizard' and 'Jade' series - and these didn't tolerate any sun. Then, in the early 2000's breeding began in earnest and today there are more than 1000 cultivars and the number is growing increasing!

From red to green, orange to yellow, and all colors in-between, and mixed, foliage colors have a wide range. Foliage shapes are also varied from large-leavede and velvety ('Kong'), to small-leaved and scalloped ('Ducksfoot'), and all shapes in-between. The size of plants vary from large (3 1/2'-4' tall and wide') to spreading (3-5' spread).

Coleus performs nicely in containers, perennial borders and annual plantings. However, some of the colors are dark and can get lost if not paired with brighter foliage or flowers. Today's coleus grows fairly well in sun with some cultivars performing better than others; check out the label to be certain. Gardeners also tend to complain about the raggedy appearance of the blooms; many of the varieties today don't bloom until late in the season, delaying the need to deadhead (remove dead blossoms). One piece of advice when purchasing coleus is to make sure one knows the size of the plant before putting it in a container or garden site.

Coneflowers are one of the easiest perennials to grow and provide color in the garden almost all summer beginning in mid-June in central Ohio. The purple, pink, yellow, white, and orange flowers are around 3-4" in diameter and make excellent cut flowers. Once plants are established, these plants really show off in the garden. they make excellent cut flowers as well.

Coneflowers are heat and drought tolerant and do best in full sun. The plants grow around 2-5' tall and spread 1-3' wide depending upon the cultivar. Plant them in perennial borders as well as in a meadow or prairie planting. Ohio's native E. purpurea was likely an incredible site to pioneers traveling across Ohio prairies at one time. As this is one of Ohio's native plants. The species has a tendency to spread prolifically by seed, therefore, control by deadheading before seed production to control. However, on the other hand, the seeds are very attractive to goldfinches - what a dilemma! There are numerous introductions on the market today. The colors, shapes, sizes, and appearance of the blooms vary as well as fragrance.