Kong Jr.™ Scarlet Coleus, Premium Shade

Kong Jr. Scarlet coleus is an upright, mounded selection grown for its large, patterned leaves. Its dark scarlet foliage is edged in chartreuse, creating a bright outline that stands out in shade beds, patio pots, and mixed containers. [Ball lists the exact cultivar, 18–24 inch height, 20–35 inch width, and shade to partial-sun exposure](https://info.ballseed.com/PlantInfo/?phid=018006528004940); a specialist seed seller describes its scarlet leaves and chartreuse margins (https://palettblad.com/en/kong-jr/kong-jr-scarlet). ### Garden use Use this foliage-centered coleus as a seasonal color accent among plants with finer leaves or as a focal leaf pattern in a mixed container. It is grown for foliage rather than flowers, and the Kong Jr. series has heart-shaped leaves with a tidy, branched form. ### Growing conditions Grow in shade or partial sun in moist, well-drained soil with organic matter. Let the surface of a garden bed begin to dry before watering, and check containers more often because they dry faster. Coleus is cold-sensitive, so plant outdoors after warm weather settles and protect it from frost. [University of Minnesota Extension gives coleus light, soil, and water guidance](https://extension.umn.edu/garden-and-home/yard-and-garden/gardening-in-minnesota/coleus). ## Maintenance Pinch shoot tips to promote branching and remove flower stalks as they appear so the foliage remains the focus. Ball rates the Kong Jr. series low-maintenance.