Sally Scalera

Brevard County Horticulture Extension Agent
3695 Lake Drive -- Cocoa FL 32926 -- 321-633-1702

Colorful Splashes

August 26, 2001

Plants with attractive foliage can be used throughout the landscape to add color and texture. A few to choose from:

Amaranthus tricolor (Amaranth) is a rapid growing annual noted for brilliantly colored fo.iage in shades of red, green or yellow. It can grow up to four feet tall. The showy leaves can reach three to six inches long and two to four inches wide. Kideal for edgings, borders, mass plantings or container gardening, the plants should be placed in full sun. They can tolerate partial shade in the hottest locations. The drought-tolerant plants thrive in any well-drained soil.

Hedera canariensis (Canary cream Alergian ivy) is a wonderful ground cover for shady locations. It does best in shade in moist, but well-drained soils.

Codiaeum variegatum (croton) shows off it's best leaf color when grown in full sun, but it can tolerate a dappled shade. The shrubs can grow four to six feet tall and can spread three to six feet.

ColeusX hybridus (coleus) has brightly colored leaves. The plant does well in full sun, partial or full shade. It does, however, require a lot of water. Trailing types can be used in hanging baskets. Remove the flower spikes as they appear. Coleus is easily propagated by either seeds or cuttings.

CaladiumX hortulanum (caladium) has distinctive foliage available in a large array of color combinations and heights. Mass caladiums for the most effective look. Caladiums grow best in partial shade to shady locations, but they can be grown in full sun if they are planted in soil rich in compost or organic matter and receive plenty of water.