Nestled and protected from the harsh afternoon sun, which can seem as hot as a furnace, my Coleus plants thrive in dappled shade. Native to Asia, they are well suited to the heat and humidity of the Northern Rivers, unlike this human who finds it a struggle. In a cooler climate, Coleus do well as an indoor plant.

Known as nature’s velvet fabric, the leaves of the Coleus are like no other. As soft as a rabbit’s ear, they are amazing to touch, and provide a kaleidoscope of colour in any garden. With different sizes and shapes, the leaves seem to glow. An array of colours used as a garden border looks spectacular.

As a member of the mint family, Coleus have the distinctive square stems and mint-like flowers.

Speaking of the flowers, narrow flower stalks rise up from the plant desperately trying to compete with the stunning leaves below. But its no use. Very unexciting, they need to be pinched out with thumb and index finger to encourage growth of the star of the show.

Staying foliage-focused is a winner for Coleus. Keeping the flower stalks leads to seed production which inhibits the leaves from flourishing. This ‘pinching out’ also promotes branching.

Coleus are low maintenance, fast growing and adapt to a wide range of soils but need regular watering and good drainage. Wet feet are their enemy.

Coleus are again becoming a feature in Australian gardens because they are easy to grow, easy to propagate from cuttings, but most of all, add a rainbow of stunning colours to any garden. The range of colours available seems endless, like a painter’s pallet.