Characteristics
| Hardiness zone | 9b |
|---|---|
| Foliage type | evergreen |
| Plant form | upright spreading |
| Mature height | 16 inches |
| Spread | 24 inches |
| Light requirements | full sun to shade |
| Moisture requirements | moist |
| Plant origin | import |
Merlin’s Magic Coleus
Botanical name: Solenostemon scutellarioides ‘Merlin’s Magic’
Merlin’s Magic Coleus’ attractive deeply cut lobed leaves remain light green in color with distinctive brown edges and tinges of cherry red throughout the year. Neither the flowers nor the fruit are ornamentally significant..
Ornamental Features
Merlin's Magic Coleus' attractive deeply cut lobed leaves remain light green in color with distinctive brown edges and tinges of cherry red throughout the year. Neither the flowers nor the fruit are ornamentally significant.
Landscape Attributes
Merlin's Magic Coleus is an herbaceous evergreen perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.
This is a relatively low maintenance plant. The flowers of this plant may actually detract from its ornamental features, so they can be removed as they appear. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.
Merlin's Magic Coleus is recommended for the following landscape applications;
Mass Planting, Border Edging, General Garden Use, Container Planting, Hanging Baskets
Planting and Growing
Merlin's Magic Coleus will grow to be about 16 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 24 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 20 inches apart. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 5 years.
This plant performs well in both full sun and full shade. It requires an evenly moist well-drained soil for optimal growth, but will die in standing water. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in rich soils. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone over the growing season to conserve soil moisture. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America. It can be propagated by cuttings; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.
Merlin's Magic Coleus is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor containers and hanging baskets. It is often used as a 'filler' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination, providing a canvas of foliage against which the larger thriller plants stand out. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.
