Coleus by Ray Rogers (Book Review)
Rainbow Foliage For Containers And Gardens
The book’s cover, a photo collage of coleus plants, will immediately capture a gardener’s attention. Coleus enthusiasts are sure to leave dog-ear pages behind making note of cultivars coveted. New gardeners will highlight and write in the margins, as they acquire more knowledge about coleus plants, making this book look like the much used coleus resource it is sure to become.
Growing Coleus
Coleus plants are easy to grow allowing new gardeners to quickly move beyond beginner. The growing coleus sections in Ray Roger’s book are detailed and easily answer the how to questions. The particular section on “Coleus culture” is a definite gardener's resource.
The section on “What makes a good coleus?” is helpful background especially for new gardeners looking at coleus for the first time. Coleus enthusiasts will enjoy the section on “Topiaries and other specialties” offering new ideas and reasons to grow coleus, if more reasons were ever needed.
Although there is no index of terminology, throughout the book the gardener’s jargon is thoughtfully explained. The instruction is clear and technical references are easily understood.
Coleus Plant Propagation
For gardeners wanting more than one coleus, "Propagation" is the logical next step. This chapter is a concise run down on the way to make more coleus, whether from seeds or cuttings.
The “Sporting and reversion” chapter attempts to explain the difference between the two. Gardeners who grow coleus in mass will inevitably find a sport or reversion among their plants.
Coleus Cultivars
The “Encyclopedia of Cultivars” offers a catalogue of choices; everything from heirloom coleus to the mass produced to the lesser-known types will send coleus gardeners searching at their local garden center.
The 404 color photos by principal photographer, Richard Hartlage, will entice new gardeners with the rainbow of coleus colors and textures available. The inevitable dilemma is sure to occur when gardeners find some of their prize choices are locally unavailable.
Coleus Resources
Gardeners will find many coleus plant sellers mentioned throughout the book. Atlock Farm from New Jersey, Color Farm from Minnesota, and from Ohio Baker’s Acres Greenhouse and Glasshouse Works are excellent places to start the search for coleus. Each of these plant sellers has its own web site making it easier to check out their inventory.
Coleus History
Beyond the Victorian era and the 1970s' houseplant craze, Coleus: Rainbow Foliage For Containers and Gardens begins with a coleus history. This section includes a recount of the scientific epithets and why gardeners will not find a sign for Solenostemon at the local garden center.
About the Author
Ray Rogers is an expert plantsman who has worked at arboretums, nurseries, and horticultural societies. Now he is a garden editor and writer and pursues his green interests as a home gardener, amateur hybridizer of amaryllis and horticultural exhibitor.
Ray Rogers has successfully blended the technical knowledge and variety of beauty found in one of nature's most easy to grow foliage plants, the coleus.
About the Book
Coleus: Rainbow Foliage For Containers and Gardens
- Author: Ray Rogers
- Photographer: Richard Hartlage
- Number of pages: 228
- Color Photos: 404
- ISBN: 13:978088192-865-5
- ISBN: 10:0881928658
- Copyright 2008
- Publisher: Timber Press, Inc.
- Price: $29.95
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