Flower Spike on Coleus "Chocolate Mint"

Wow that is stunning David the blue looks stunning against the deep red with the edged green.

Nice one, David! I quite like the flower spikes on Coleus even though we are usually advised to remove them.

I agree with sixpence!!! Stunning.

This is lovely David...parma violets springs to mind !!

You've made me look at them in a whole new light David ,that is stunning !

The blue certainly does go well with the foliage colour in this variety. Yes, Balcony, we are advised to remove the spikes as soon as they appear, to encourage bushier foliage growth (also, you can't really use flowering shoots for cuttings). Occasionally, however, I let one or two flower because - well, I like them - glad you all do, too. :-))

dark and velvety - just the way chocolate should be - beautiful!

Gorgeous

I agree, Cate, lol!!!

I don't know why I don't like Coleus but the colour of the flower spike is really pretty~i suppose it's great we are all different!

The coleus cuttings I took are now growing o.k David and I'm pleased that I have kept them.......

So glad that we are, Arlene, or I'd never learn, or see anything, different! :-)) X

Great, Linda!!!! You should have some nice indoor foliage over winter, and some to plant outdoors next summer! :-))X

So they can be kept through the winter then?

I have them in the conservatory on the windowshelf.

I've kept the same plants going for several years! But they do tend to grow woody & it's difficult to get some decent leaves on old plants.

Ok thanks will have a go, nothing ventured ......

As is usually recommended the plants look their best when grown as annuals. If you have one you particularly like the best thing to do is to take cutting. You don't even need to prepare them as you would other cutting as they will root from all along the buried part of stem.

You can also root them very easily in water. Just make a clean cut, so that there is nothing that might rot, & stick it in a jar of water, tap water is fine, I've never rooted anything in rainwater in my entire life! In a week or two you will see the roots beginning to grow along the whole submerged portion of stem.

Just pot up in small pot after about a month & you will have a lovely little plant in a very short time. If you grow them on a windowsill just make sure they don't get frosted or you will lose them.

Many Thanks for all the egreat advice you've given here, Balcony. :-))

I've been "missing in action" for the past few days (very busy). :-))

I thought you had been less active of late! That explains it then.

Extra days at work, Dad in hospital, birthdays, "The Haven", etc - never a dull moment, lol!!