The Kong Coleus series represents a breakthrough in coleus breeding, featuring massive leaves and striking color patterns that have revolutionized shade gardening. This comprehensive guide covers everything about these remarkable plants, from their development to specific growing requirements.
The Kong Coleus series was developed by PanAmerican Seed and introduced in the early 2000s, specifically bred to produce exceptionally large leaves and bold patterns. These varieties were created to meet the growing demand for dramatic foliage plants in shade gardens and container designs.
The Kong Coleus series revolutionized how gardeners view coleus by:
Setting new standards for leaf size in coleus
Demonstrating that stable, large-leafed varieties were commercially viable
Creating a new category in shade gardening
Inspiring other breeders to develop competing large-leaf series
Kong Coleus Awards and Recognition:
Multiple international garden awards
Featured in major garden shows
Consistently high ratings in university trials
Regular appearance in public garden displays
Professional landscaper recommendations
Comparison to Other Large-Leaf Series:
Giant Exhibition Series: Similar size but different color patterns
Terra Nova Selections: More sun tolerance but smaller leaves
Stained Glass Series: Similar impact but different pattern types
Premium Sun Series: More sun tolerant but not quite as large
Kong Coleus Series Varieties
Distinctive Characteristics
Massive leaves reaching 8-10 inches long
Robust growth habit
Height: 18-24 inches
Spread: 18-24 inches
Dense, mounding form
Excellent shade tolerance
Strong vigor
Distinctive color patterns
Kong Lime Sprite
Creates a dramatic display with its massive 8-10 inch leaves featuring lime green centers surrounded by deep burgundy edges, making it a standout variety for shaded locations.
Kong Rose
Distinguished by its large leaves showcasing rose-pink centers dramatically bordered by dark burgundy margins and lime green ruffled edges, creating a tri-color effect that intensifies in bright, indirect light.
Kong Red
Delivers bold impact with deep red centers surrounded by black-burgundy edges and lime highlights on enormous leaves, maintaining its intense coloration even in deep shade conditions.
Kong Mosaic
Offers a unique marbled appearance with complex patterns mixing green, cream, and burgundy throughout each giant leaf, with every plant developing slightly different variations in its patterns.
Kong Scarlet
Features striking scarlet centers framed by dark burgundy edges and light green margins on massive leaves, providing one of the brightest and most vivid displays in the Kong series.
Kong Salmon Pink
Showcases large leaves with salmon-pink centers surrounded by deep mahogany borders and lime-green edges, offering a unique color combination in the series.
Kong Jr. Green Halo
Offers a more compact version of the Kong series at 18-20 inches tall, featuring large leaves with bright lime-green margins dramatically surrounding dark burgundy centers, creating a glowing halo effect that performs exceptionally well in containers and smaller garden spaces.
Kong Watermelon
Displays enormous leaves with vibrant watermelon-pink centers that radiate outward into deep burgundy borders and lime-green edges, creating a three-toned effect that mimics the colors of sliced watermelon, making it one of the most distinctive varieties in the Kong series.
Kong Coleus Growing Requirements
Light Conditions
Bright, indirect light optimal
Morning sun tolerated
Afternoon shade essential
Protection from intense sun
Even light distribution
Consistent shade patterns
Kong Coleus Temperature Needs
Optimal range: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
Minimum: 55°F (13°C)
No frost tolerance
Consistent temperatures preferred
Protection from drafts
Winter indoor requirements
Kong Coleus Soil Requirements
Rich, well-draining mix
High organic content
pH 6.0-7.0
Consistent moisture
Good aeration
Regular amendment
The Kong Coleus series represents a significant advancement in coleus breeding, offering gardeners and professionals dramatic foliage options for shade gardens and containers. Their success has influenced both breeding directions and market expectations for coleus varieties. With proper care and placement, these impressive plants provide reliable performance and striking visual impact in various landscape and container applications.
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