*The Coleus Celebration is set for May 27*

With our beautiful home-grown plants arriving soon, coleus grower Lisa Freed describes the chaos and beauty that comes with the event.

Q: What do you remember about the first Coleus Premier? How involved were you? Did it cross your mind that people would be so interested?

A: I remember a few things about the first premier... some running, some grabbing and some very intense coleus shopping. I remember one man - a tall man - who sidled over to a coleus that was rare and in short supply. A few ladies were admiring it and he swooped in and scooped up two of the three flats. He was well over 6 feet tall and carried the two flats away high in the air well out of reach of any grabbing hands. I heard some murmurs of "What?? Not fair!"

 

Q: What first interested you about coleus, what makes you stay so involved with growing this beautiful plant?

A: I think I first became involved with coleus because I was younger and always interested in the latest and greatest. (Although coleus has been around a long time as it was the latest and greatest in Victorian times, it was new to the area.) I knew people would be interested. It was at a time in the Pacific NW when we were going through our tropical phase and having a little zone denial. Coleus fit right into that experimentation.

I stay involved, even though times change, garden styles change etc., because they are such lovely little jewels. Coleus adorns gardens and containers while being easy to care for and even lasts through October or first frost. My summers would not be the same without these gleaming, riotous, funny, crazy little beauties that bring smiles every time I step into my garden.

 

Q: Do you have a favorite variety, shape or color?

A: Every year I have a new favorite and some years I have my favorite that was my favorite two years prior. I pick some of my favorites because of their names, like an oldie 'Inky Fingers,' 'Le Freak' (because life gets a little freaky this time of year), and 'Ruby Slippers.' There is the famous 'Sedona' which is the one that got swooped up in the story from the first Coleus Premier. And if you like orange, try 'Rustic Orange' for a pop of color.

There are too many wonderful choices to have one favorite. I think most people have at least 6 or 7 favorites. I would say some of my favorite tried and true varieties are 'Oxblood,' 'Inky Fingers,' and 'Glennis.' A new one this year that I'm in love with is called 'Main Street Alligator Alley.'

 

Q: What’s your favorite way to use coleus? With what does it mix well?

A: I use coleus in my summer flower containers. Customers have shown me pictures of stunning containers where they have just planted a mix of coleus together... and they are spectacular! I also mix coleus here and there in my garden. A little peek of soft orange here... a screaming blend of purple/pink and lime green over there - just in the right place to greet me with my morning cup of coffee and bring a smile to my face - waking me up just right!

 

Q: Were any of the previous Coleus Premier especially notable? Why?

A: I have loved all of the years of growing coleus simply because of the coleus plants and the people that come to look and purchase them. Coleus people are some of the best! They have fun and PLANT FUN!

 

Q: How much time do you put into growing the plants? When do you plant, how many hour per week do you water and care for them?

A: We put a lot of time into growing these plants. That is another reason I got into it. Coleus were offered early in the season when it was too cold and the plants were small and destined to suffer or die. Our plants have been growing for 3 months. They've gone through three pinchings and have been acclimated to outside temps. So they are sturdy little fellas - or gals - ready to succeed.

 

Q: What’s the biggest challenge for growing coleus? What is the number one thing people should do to have a success with coleus?

A: Growing coleus is pretty easy - it is just about taking the time to do it right. We do not offer them for sale until late and I have had many people get angry with us for this, but they will do much better and take right off when the nighttime and ground temps are warmer. This is something we have learned over the years. Coleus planted early when the temps are still too cool will never be as robust or just die.

 

Q: Aside from busy, how does it make you feel when the nursery is packed for the arrival of coleus?

A: It is pretty fun when the coleus arrives. I see many of our "coleus brothers" that have been along the ride with us and they are awesome. We see new faces that are curious about these plants and then curious about us (the "coleus brothers") and they want to join in on the fun! Because it is fun. There are a lot of smiles, and you hear a lot of "ooohs" and "ahhhs" and things like "What about this?" or "No, look at this one!" "Oh no, I am going to get this one to go with that one," "Wow, did you see this one?" That is when all of us here at the nursery think, "I can't wait for another year of coleus!"