This is an interesting approach for coleus in the garden.
Coleus Topiary
I'm going to try that. That particular variety looks like Kiwi Fern.
that looks great...is it hard to do?
Cala it looks neat doesn't it. I have a couple of very large coleus plants that I think I will try this with. I also love the planter.
CC,
I think its just like creating any other topiary. Remove the bottom stems to encourage top growth. Keep pinching back bud tips on the top to make the top fuller.
And stake them as you train them..we do this with a few kinds at work..they get about 6 feet when finished.
I was gunna try this with a fuschia,maybe a coleus too.....
Six feet, oh my lawdie. I have to get busy and make more topiaries. CC the fushia sounds like a good idea too. I looked at those fushia pictures in Priesell's book with the brugs and had no idea they grew that big. This year I'm over wintering mine...the heck with buying them every year!!
Thats what I'm doin!
Purple Ducksfoot makes a gorgeous topiary. I think the 'fernlike' or ducksfoot coleus all look good in topiary.
A lot of the big coleus I've bought recently have been 'topiaried' by circustance -- they had heavy lower branches that were broken off in the bustle and in-and-out-of-the-greehouse hauling of normal nursery business. The thick foiage of the lower branches had kept lateral branch growth on the main vertical stalk to a minimum, and the result was a tall stem with a big bush at the top.
That's how my Raspberry Ruffles, my Cameroon (swoon!) and my first Aurora were.
Oh, and Eclipse ... a six-foot coleus?? What variety?