Phyl,
The Kong series have HUGE leaves but stay quite short. Last year, I used wizzard mix(for shade) and ÂArdella MolanderÂ& ÂArdis Molander Exhibition Sun Coleus. The sun coleus got to be about 3 feet tall and was georgous in the landscape and in bouquets.

You need to let them rest a while after you pick them to let them perk up. Coleus roots quite easily in water. An added bonus is after they enjoy the bouquet they can have a plant.
Patty

There are 5 colors in the Kong series. I'm guessing, Phyl, you were talking about Kong, Mosaic. I would certainly consider using these in our dahlia and lily bouquets because the large leaves would add balance, scale, and texture to the bouquet. The leaves are unique in that no two are exactly alike and they're big, bold and bright. I like that. These plants grow 18-24 inches tall which is quite adequate for our bouquets. I would use hydrating solution to prevent wilting, and prolong vase life.

Coleus from seed are relatively easy to grow. The seeds are small. Just to give you an idea, there are 100,000 seeds in an ounce. We make combination planters early in the season, and use many different coleus.

Trish

Patty and Trish,
Thanks SO much for all the info you gave me! I remember my mom having coleus rooting around the house, but I have never had a houseplant or rooted anything, believe it or not. I am going to go look up those different varieties now! :0) Phyl

Phyl,

FWIW I just received a newsletter; and, it included an article regarding coleus. Oklahoma State University in cooperation with John Dole is working on the development of coleus as a cut foliage. It sounds pretty interesting.

Trish