Coleus (Solenostemon) – This shade loving plant, thought to be an annual by most, is actually a perennial. In zones 8 and below the Coleus is usually grown as an annual due to it being frost and cold sensitive. In zones 9-11 it can easily be grown as a perennial. The Coleus is a bushy plant with leaves with brilliant mixtures of green, purple, red, white, and yellow. It will also flower blue or white. This makes it an excellent plant to use as borders, sprinkled throughout your garden, or in flower pot arrangements for a splendid variation of eye catching color.
