Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Dark Star'
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syn. Coleus x hybrida, Coleus blumei
EXHIBITION SUN COLEUS
Family: Lamiaceae
Pronounced: sol-en-oh-STEM-on skoot-el-lar-ee-OY-deez
Attributes
Mature size:
Height: 18-24 inches (45-60 cm).
Width: 12 inches (30 cm).
Leaf attributes:
Scalloped edges and deep dark purple, almost black leaves.
Light:
Full sun to partial shade.
Rainy Side Notes
Solenostemon ‘Dark Star’ is an outstanding black coleus; however, unlike most coleus, it grows at an unhurried pace. This is a sun-loving annual, which thrives equally well in containers or with roots in the ground. In full sun, S. ‘Dark Star’ leaves turn dark as the night sky without the moon. In shade, the leaves are not as striking, as it takes on a subtler purple-green cast. The quilted, velvety leaves with scalloped leaf margins grow on deep violet colored stems. For those that enjoy black flowers, this is an excellent choice to add to the black garden.
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.
Additional Reading
Black Magic and Purple Passion
Book Description: All you need to know about black plants. Magic and passion in the garden are created with over 2,750 dark plants. Dramatic foliage and dusky flowers create mystery and add sex appeal to the garden. Detailed cultural care and Platt’s enticing descriptions and photographs enable the garden to plant black creatively. Over 425 color photographs. Platt is the founder of the International Black Plant Society and the first woman to have had a nursery specializing in black plants. She has won awards on both sides of the Atlantic for her black garden designs.
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