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ColorBlaze® Dark Star

Plant in sun or shade

12 - 24

Solenostemon scutellarioides
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ColorBlaze®
Dark Star
Coleus
Solenostemon
scutellarioides

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Features

Stunning, dark purple foliage all summer.
• Adaptable as a Houseplant
• Attracts Birds
• Attracts Hummingbirds
• Best Seller
• Deadheading Not Necessary
• Deer Resistant
• Foliage Interest
• Heat Tolerant
• Landscape Plant
• Low Maintenance

Ornamental Characteristics

Foliage Color:
Black/Purple
Garden Height:
12 - 24"; Medium
Spacing:
12 - 16"
Habit:
Upright
Container Plant Style:
Thriller - Used either in the back or middle of a container. Usually a taller item that adds height and drama to the container.

Plant Needs

Duration:
Annual
Bloom Time:
Grown for Foliage
Zones:
Annual except in zones 10 - 11
What is my zone?
Hardy Temp:
35°F (2°C)
Exposure:
Plant in sun or shade
Water Needs:
Normal
Maintenance:
Easy
Uses:
Landscapes and containers
Use in beds, borders and containers

Patent Information

Growing Tips

Many people feel that coleus look best before they flower. We have worked hard to choose coleus that bloom late in the season or not at all. To keep foliage in top shape, pinch off the blooms as they appear if you wish.

Rules of Thumb for Overwintering Plants Indoors:

1. Choose only healthy plants

2. Bring Plants indoors before frost damages foliage

3. Treat for disease and insects before bringing plants indoors

4. Place in bright areas and add humidity using pebble trays or spray bottles

5. Be careful not to over water

6 When active growth starts in spring fertilize and prune as needed

7. Introduce your plants slowly to outdoor conditions in spring

An application of fertilizer or compost on garden beds and regular fertilization of plants in pots will help ensure the best possible performance.

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See what other people are saying about Dark Star!

Year Award Trial
2009 Top Performer Calgary Zoo and Botanic Garden
2009 Top Performer Oregon State University
  Very striking dark foliage, very nice appearance.
2009 Top Performer Mississippi State University
2009 Bronze Medal Champaign County Illinois Master Gardener Idea Garden
2009 People's Choice Winner Louisiana - Hammond Research Station
2009 Best Friend Forever Virginia Tech
2007 Best of the Zoo Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
2009 Best Varieties Penn State
2009 Top Performer Norfolk Botanical Garden
2010 Top Performers Mast Arboretum
2009 Top Performer - Late Summer Michigan State University
2010 Top Performer Oklahoma State University Botanical Gardens
  Very striking dark foliage, very nice appearance.
2010 Very Good Massachusetts Horticultural Society at Elm Bank
2009 Best Coleus Colorado State University
  Foliage was impressive with a strong dark chocolate color that had no bleaching despite being planted in full sun. ...Plants displayed great vigor and were extremely uniform. Dr. Klett
2009 Best of Class Colorado State University
  The foliage was impressive with a strong dark chocolate color that had no bleaching despite being planted in full sun. It was also noted for having almost no flowering.
2009 Top Performer - Growers Ohio State University - Columbus
2009 Top Performer - Consumer Ohio State University - Columbus
2004 Top Picks Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
2009 Top Performer Kansas State University
2009 Leader of the Pack - Early Season North Carolina State, JC Raulston Arboretum
2009 Top Performer Longwood Gardens
Amethyst
Exposure
Sun
Color Scheme
Pastel Mix

View Container Details
Lucky Star2
Pot Size
22 inches
Color Scheme
Vibrant Mix

View Container Details

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Rating Scale
1 - Unsatisfied Did not survive, inferior performance or did not bloom well - won't grow again.
2 - Marginally Adequate Performed below expectations but may be willing to try again.
3 - Satisfactory Average performance, met expectations but not outstanding.
4 - Above Average Superior performance, among my favorites, would recommend to others.
5 - Outstanding My favorite plant, I recommend to others all the time and explain the reasons why I like it so much.
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