International Journal of Environmental & Agriculture Research (IJOEAR) ISSN:[2454-1850] [Vol-3, Issue-1, January- 2017]

Evaluation of Ornamental Coleus for Landscaping of Shady

Areas
Safeena S.A 1, M. Thangam2
Horticulture Science Section, ICAR – CCARI, Old Goa

Abstract— There is a strong desire amongst people to have colour in the shady areas of their landscapes. But shade-loving
plants generally are not richly or brightly coloured. Ornamental coleus is an inconspicuous flower bearing ornamental
plants which can act as a colorful option for shady landscape. Ornamental coleus is a promising ornamental foliage plant
which provides a bold texture and a thick density for shady landscape. With this background, collection, conservation and
evaluation of different ornamental coleus types / varieties carried out at ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research
Institute, Goa. Twenty four different types / varieties of ornamental coleus have been collected, maintained and evaluated for
their suitability for landscape use. Significant differences were observed among different coleus types / varieties for various
morphological and quality parameters. Plant height , number of leaves, number of branches, Stem girth, Length of leaf with
petiole, Petiole length, leaf width, Length of leaf without petiole varied from 42.00 cm (Juicy Lucy) -89.67 cm (Eruption),
24.89 (Gay Delight) -72.00 (Trailing Queen), 3.00 (Mahogany Giant) -8.67 (Eruption), 0.563 cm (Blusher) - 0.817 cm
(Eruption), 11.03 cm (Tilt a Whirl) - 18.83cm (Grape expectations), 2.07 cm (Pistachio Nightmare) - 6.00 cm (Eruption),
5.50 cm(Trailing Queen)-10.83 cm(Grape expectations), 8.33cm(Tilt a Whirl) - 14.78 cm (Grape expectations) respectively.
Different ornamental coleus used in the present study exhibited an incredible range of diversity for various traits and it could
be recommended to function for various purposes in landscaping like beds, borders, hedges, planters, hanging baskets,
vertical gardens or containers.

Keywords— Coleus, Colour, Shade, Landscaping, Purpose.

I. INTRODUCTION
Ornamental coleus is an inconspicuous flower bearing ornamental plant that add colour to your shady landscape. Coleus is
the common name for Solenostemon scutellarioides syn. Plectranthus scutellarioides, a group of ornamental plants with
large colourful leaves. It is native to tropical Asia, Africa and Australia and belongs to the Family Lamiaceae (Labiatae) and
Genus Solenostemon . It is grown mostly for the impact of its foliage and provides a gallant texture and a thick density in the
shady landscape. Coleus has become a very popular house and garden plant prized for their colourful foliage (Erica and
Allen, 2000). Coleus is versatile in nature and thrives in hot and humid conditions and can be used for accenting various
landscapes and provides year-round colour (Jean., 2012). It can be best grown as an indoor potted plant, container plant,
topiary and a specimen in various landscape projects. Ornamental coleus can easily be propagated by stem cuttings (Patel.,
2013; Jill M., 2012). The brilliant foliage of this classic plant light up your garden, brightens the shady spots and can make a
dramatic statement in the landscape. People are not aware of the selection and landscape performance of different varieties of
ornamental coleus. Information on the choice, growth attributes and landscape performance of different varieties of
ornamental coleus has been rather scanty. Hence a study on collection, conservation and evaluation of different ornamental
coleus were conducted at ICAR – Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Ela, Old Goa. The objective of the study
was to evaluate different cultivars of ornamental coleus based on various landscape performance criteria and to identify
cultivars that could be used for various purposes in landscaping like Beds , Borders, Edging, Hedges , Planters, Mass
planting, Hanging baskets, Vertical gardens, Container plantings and General Garden Use.

II. MATERIAL AND METHOD

Twenty four types / varieties of ornamental coleus were collected, and evaluated for their landscape performance. The
different types / varieties of ornamental coleus used in the present study include

1. Gold giant
2. Pistachio nightmare
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3. Miss Monahan
4. Antique
5. Mahogany Giant
6. Juicy Lucy
7. Grape expectations
8. Private Dancer
9. Eruption
10. Trailing Queen
11. Apple mint
12. Kong Scarlet
13. Dare Devil
14. Gay Delight
15. Blusher
16. Kong Jr
17. Tilt a whirl
18. Wizard Mosaic
19. Electric lime
20. Blackberry Waffle
21. Green Halo
22. Freckles
23. Finger Paint and
24. Indian Summer Coleus

The different ornamental coleus types / varieties were assessed for their suitability for landscape use. It was tested for various
morphological parameters such as Plant Height, Number of Leaves, Number of Branches, Stem girth, Length of leaf with
petiole, Petiole length, leaf width and Length of leaf without petiole. The experimental design adopted was Randomized
block design with three replications. Data recorded on various morphological parameters were statistically analysed
following procedures as described by Panse and Sukhatme (1978).

III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Significant variation was noticed among different coleus cultivars used in the present study for various morphological and
leaf quality parameters and the data is presented in Table 1, 2 and 3. Plant Height , Number of Leaves, Number of Branches,
Stem girth, Length of leaf with petiole, Petiole length, leaf width, Length of leaf without petiole varied from 42.00cm (Juicy
Lucy) - 89.67cm (Eruption), 24.89(Gay Delight) -72.00 (Trailing Queen), 3.00 (Mahogany Giant) - 8.67 (Eruption),
0.563cm (Blusher) -0.817cm (Eruption), 11.0cm (Tilt a Whirl) - 18.83cm (Grape expectations), 2.07cm (Pistachio
Nightmare) - 6.00cm (Eruption), 5.50cm(Trailing Queen)-10.83cm (Grape expectations), 8.33 cm (Tilt a Whirl) - 14.78 cm
(Grape expectations) respectively.

The distinctive features of various cultivars used in the present study are described below. The cultivar Gold giant used in the
present study is a tall and sturdy coleus cultivar with broad, golden-green leaves with reddish-purple undersides. Stems and
petioles are purple in colour and it makes for a great background plant in a pot or garden bed. It is a medium tall variety and
is well suited for hedging purpose in shady areas. Miss Monahan is a sturdy coleus cultivar and has green leaves with
magenta spot in the centres and purple undersides. Stems and petioles are purple in colour. It has a compact dense nature and
hence suited for hanging basket. Variability in colouration in cultivar Antique used in the present study makes them virtually
indistinguishable. Their scalloped leaves are chartreuse with deep maroon or purple flecking. Leaves are light purple
underneath. Stem and petioles are also light purple in colour. Antique could be used for border planting since they are tall
varieties. The cultivar Pistachio Nightmare has conspicuous bright green serrated leaves highlighted with a cream centre and
speckled with radiant neon pink, yellow and brown with greenish undersides.. Stems and petioles are greenish white in
colour.

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TABLE 1
PLANT GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS OF DIFFERENT ORNAMENTAL COLEUS CULTIVARS UNDER WEST COAST ECOSYSTEM
Plant No. of No. of No. of No. of
Plant Height Plant Height No. of Leaves
Treatments Height Leaves Leaves Branches Branches
(3 MAP) (6 MAP) (3 MAP)
(1MAP) (1MAP) (6 MAP) (3 MAP) (6 MAP)
1 Gold giant 11.227 49.111 82.333 4.960 31.000 47.000 4.667 5.333
2 Pistachio Nightmare 20.600 42.556 47.333 9.073 40.778 41.333 5.333 7.333
3 Miss Manohan 17.933 44.111 46.000 9.947 41.667 42.222 5.000 5.220
4 Antique 14.853 51.889 69.333 9.020 37.778 38.333 4.667 5.667
5 Mahogany Giant 16.733 40.222 66.333 7.103 17.778 27.333 2.333 3.000
6 Juicy Lucy 12.933 33.889 42.000 7.980 22.000 25.667 3.670 3.889
7 Grape Expectations 22.133 58.222 77.667 8.720 28.000 38.000 3.667 5.000
8 Private Dancer 18.933 45.444 62.000 7.573 26.667 32.444 3.333 4.333
9 Eruption 15.900 58.333 89.667 9.200 34.444 58.667 5.000 8.667
10 Trailing Queen 16.780 38.556 63.333 15.733 44.222 72.000 4.778 8.000
11 Apple Mint 12.713 40.111 61.000 10.467 29.333 35.889 4.667 5.333
12 Kong Scarlet 17.833 46.444 66.000 10.47 31.333 34.333 4.670 6.00
13 Daredevil 14.033 46.111 79.333 7.600 23.444 44.333 3.778 4.000
14 Gay Delight 10.933 36.444 51.333 4.600 17.667 19.444 2.889 3.667
15 Blusher 14.000 45.111 54.333 8.800 34.000 36.333 3.667 4.333
16 Kong Jr 11.220 47.444 64.000 6.100 30.667 35.333 3.889 5.000
17 Tilt a Whirl 10.773 34.111 54.667 9.667 25.444 29.333 3.333 3.556
18 Wizard Mosaic 20.867 42.778 48.000 9.407 38.000 40.333 5.289 7.667
19 Electric lime 10.967 36.556 54.667 4.700 17.000 18.667 2.800 3.667
20 Black berry waffles 22.467 58.333 79.333 8.787 28.556 37.333 3.736 5.667
21 Green Halo 12.567 34.111 47.667 8.073 24.000 25.000 3.667 3.944
22 Finger Paint 14.187 54.111 70.333 8.353 33.000 38.444 4.333 5.333
23 Indian Summer 13.833 46.778 74.333 7.367 21.667 45.667 3.944 4.500
24 Freckles 14.001 44.111 60.333 7.513 29.000 33.444 3.333 4.333
SEm+_ 0.548 2.431 4.785 0.474 3.499 3.715 0.497 0.627
C.D at 5% 1.646 7.295 14.355 1.422 10.498 11.147 1.493 1.883

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TABLE 2
STEM GIRTH AND LEAF LENGTH OF DIFFERENT ORNAMENTAL COLEUS CULTIVARS AT DIFFERENT MONTHS AFTER PLANTING
Leaf Leaf Leaf Length Leaf Length Leaf Length
Diameter of Diameter of Diameter of Leaf Length
Length Length without without without
Treatments Stem (cm) Stem (cm) Stem (cm) with stalk (3
with stalk with stalk stalk(cm) 1 stalk(cm) stalk(cm) 6
(1 MAP) (3 MAP) (6MAP) MAP)
(1 MAP) (6 MAP MAP 3 MAP MAP
1 Gold giant 0.423 0.580 0.814 4.560 16.033 17.722 12.000 13.167
2 Pistachio Nightmare 0.426 0.499 0.610 5.800 10.733 11.389 8.667 9.344 13.389
11.400
3 Miss Manohan 0.447 0.484 0.526 6.080 11.333 12.678 8.667 9.533 10.122
4 Antique 0.391 0.727 0.757 6.287 15.667 17.300 9.850 13.000 13.244
5 Mahogany Giant 0.470 0.539 0.743 7.087 16.056 16.233 11.583 12.656 13.467
6 Juicy Lucy 0.493 0.537 0.643 5.860 11.456 13.167 9.744 10.700 13.617
7 Grape Expectations 0.422 0.550 0.656 8.207 16.500 18.833 12.567 13.000 14.778
8 Private Dancer 0.404 0.507 0.593 7.373 16.611 17.333 11.450 12.444 13.000
9 Eruption 0.436 0.670 0.817 7.900 12.500 17.667 8.944 9.583 11.667
10 Trailing Queen 0.568 0.578 0.660 6.373 11.344 12.167 7.800 9.167 14.500
11 Apple Mint 0.505 0.543 0.613 4.667 15.667 15.856 13.056 13.167 14.000
12 Kong Scarlet 0.438 0.627 0.673 7.740 14.333 17.889 11.667 12.333 14.156
13 Daredevil 0.492 0.576 0.763 5.427 15.833 15.889 8.417 10.867 12.278
14 Gay Delight 0.413 0.484 0.660 4.333 12.111 14.833 9.283 10.389 12.367
15 Blusher 0.484 0.551 0.563 5.167 13.833 16.167 7.417 11.333 12.722
16 Kong Jr 0.520 0.543 0.620 4.513 15.067 15.833 12.267 13.056 13.500
17 Tilt a Whirl 0.491 0.561 0.567 4.867 10.033 10.556 7.611 7.667 12.750
18 Wizard Mosaic 0.470 0.482 0.643 8.800 9.356 14.567 5.770 10.533 11.167
19 Electric lime 0.410 0.414 0.672 4.367 12.389 15.000 10.444 12.500 12.667
20 Black berry waffles 0.407 0.583 0.671 8.380 17.000 19.056 10.417 13.200 15.000
21 Green Halo 0.412 0.500 0.633 5.807 11.511 12.833 9.800 10.867 10.917
22 Finger Paint 0.397 0.750 0.762 6.313 15.333 17.778 12.578 12.667 13.083
23 Indian summer 0.435 0.579 0.793 5.560 15.389 16.167 11.167 12.444 12.250
24 Freckles 0.311 0.550 0.623 4.313 10.333 12.778 8.578 9.667 10.083
SEm+_ 0.028 0.026 0.039 0.222 0.696 1.031 0.452 0.925 0.745
C.D at 5% 0.086 0.078 0.118 0.667 2.090 3.095 1.357 2.777 2.236

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TABLE 3
PETIOLE LENGTH, LEAF WIDTH AND LEAF STALK GIRTH OF DIFFERENT ORNAMENTAL COLEUS CULTIVARS AT DIFFERENT MONTHS AFTER PLANTING
Leaf stalk Leaf stalk Leaf stalk Leaf Leaf stalk
Leaf Width Leaf Width
Treatments length length length Width diameter
(1 MAP) (6 MAP)
(1 MAP) (3 MAP) (6 MAP) (3 MAP) (6 MAP)
1 Gold giant 0.510 4.033 4.333 2.730 0.277
2 Pistachio Nightmare 1.070 2.044 2.067 3.180 9.389
7.556 9.700
8.250 0.200
3 Miss Manohan 1.480 2.556 2.667 3.890 6.750 7.889 0.267
4 Antique 1.320 2.667 4.056 4.080 7.100 8.533 0.220
5 Mahogany Giant 1.440 2.767 3.400 3.570 7.750 8.278 0.203
6 Juicy Lucy 1.550 1.711 2.467 3.120 6.100 8.000 0.213
7 Grape Expectations 1.990 3.500 4.056 3.430 9.000 10.333 0.307
8 Private Dancer 1.450 4.167 4.333 2.980 9.000 10.300 0.300
9 Eruption 1.220 3.556 6.000 3.030 5.200 8.500 0.247
10 Trailing Queen 1.870 3.000 3.544 4.140 5.256 10.500 0.200
11 Apple Mint 1.770 2.500 2.800 3.760 7.211 9.750 0.260
12 Kong Scarlet 2.020 2.667 3.733 3.540 8.500 9.500 0.217
13 Daredevil 2.250 3.611 4.967 3.650 7.250 8.022 0.207
14 Gay Delight 1.722 2.030 2.467 3.390 5.750 6.800 0.660
15 Blusher 1.200 2.500 3.444 3.170 6.000 9.856 0.280
16 Kong Jr 1.130 2.778 2.800 2.100 7.789 8.750 0.190
17 Tilt a Whirl 1.260 2.367 2.944 2.780 7.500 7.956 0.243
18 Wizard Mosaic 1.670 1.767 1.87 3.610 7.000 7.500 0.240
19 Electric lime 1.210 1.978 2.633 3.250 6.350 7.000 0.257
20 Black berry waffles 0.820 3.733 4.389 2.870 8.250 10.556 0.307
21 Green Halo 0.530 1.733 1.967 2.770 6.267 7.500 0.247
22 Finger Paint 0.650 2.333 5.256 3.440 8.533 9.000 0.207
23 Indian summer 1.120 3.167 5.333 3.360 5.500 9.000 0.193
24 Freckles 1.780 2.400 2.810 3.290 5.150 6.100 0.216
SEm+_ 0.325 0.367 0.476 0.308 0.646 0.752 0.032
C.D at 5% 0.977 1.102 1.429 0.926 1.939 2.257 0.097

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Pistachio Nightmare could be planted in vertical gardens as they give bold texture because of its sharp contrast. It displays
attractive leaf characteristics like fancy leaves and peculiar colouration. It also looks great in the ground or a container.
Private Dancer has bright chartreuse or yellowish green leaves, heavily marked and finely sectored dark mahogany red to
dark maroon red with purple leaf vein. Some leaf blades exhibit variable chimera depths, giving many intermediate colours,
part pink and part green, and it is radically interrupted by lime or violet red to maroon red sectored and stripes. Leaves are
purple underneath and stem is light purplish in colour. It could be used for close planting in garden beds. Juicy Lucy had
wide, soft leaves of coppery-red or maroon centre are surrounded at the edge with a lacy greenish yellow pattern. Leaves are
purple underneath. Stems and petioles are light purplish in colour. It can be planted in garden beds, pots and baskets and can
be planted more densely. It is also suited for hanging basket because of its compact dense nature. Eruption is a medium tall
variety and is suited as hedges in shady areas. They possessed appealing colouration. It has attractive small serrated pointy or
toothed green coloured leaves with showy variegation of brown striations and tinges of lemon yellow with purple
underneath. Stem is purple in colour. It has an upright spreading habit of growth. Its medium texture blends into the garden,
but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition. Trailing Queen has deep red-
pink or magenta centre with a lacy green frilly border and a shock of hot pink in the centre of the textured leaf. Leaves curl
upwards and have toothed margins. Stems and underside of the leaves are purple in colour. This is a vigorous type and can be
planted in garden beds, pots, baskets etc and can be planted more densely.
Grape Expectations could be used for border planting because of its tall upright and mounding growth habit. It has concord
grape purple or velvettish vine colour with a flash of violet-pink or magenta in the centre which extends up to the margin.
Leaves are purple underneath and stems and petioles are greenish purple in colour. This lovely coleus has neat and unique
scalloped edges and a very refined habit. It is an excellent choice for borders, mixed containers, garden beds, pots, baskets,
etc. This “Grape Coloured Coleus” provides an amazing true vibrant solid colour to any design or planting. Mahogany Giant
is a tall type and could be used for border planting. It has deep purple-black coloured foliage with purple underneath. Stem
and petioles are purple in colour. It could be used for border planting since it is a tall variety. Apple Mint has green coloured
leaves with brown spotted centre. Leaves are green underneath and stem and petioles are greenish in colour. Apple mint
could be used in planters because of its gorgeous and elegant look. They had a uniform growth pattern and consistent
colouration. Gay Delight has oval shaped chartreuse / lime green coloured leaves with nearly black dark purple or dark
maroon venation with light green colour underneath. Stems and petioles are dark purple in colour.
Gay Delight could be used for container planting or in planters because of its dazzling and graceful look. It has a unique
colour that gets immediate notice in any garden. The brilliant colours explode in sunny locations. Kong Scarlet Coleus has
attractive small serrated pointed leaves which are scarlet brown in colour with distinctive lemon yellow edges throughout the
year. Leaves are light green underneath. Stem and petioles are yellowish green in colour. Kong Scarlet is a tall type and
could be used for border planting. Tilt a Whirl has distinctive rolled up or swirling circular leaves of gentle heather to
mahogany brown colour with zig zag frilly edges tipped in lime or yellow colour and feathered centers and green veins.
Leaves are light green underside and stems and petioles are greenish in colour. It is of dwarf, compact and dense nature and
hence can be used for container planting and for interior decoration purpose. Tilt a whirl is a marvellous cultivar because of
its distinctive leaf shape and compact nature. Daredevil is a medium tall type and is well appropriate as hedges in shady
areas. They possessed appealing colouration and peculiar leaf pattern. Leaves curl upwards and have twisted and toothed
margins. It has brownish centre with greenish yellow leaf margin. The undersides of the leaves are light green in colour and
stems are greenish purple.
Kong Junior had an upright spreading habit of growth. It has dark brownish centre with greenish leaf margin. The undersides
of the leaves are light green in colour and stems and petioles are light greenish in colour. They possess dazzling colouration
in the foliage. It has relatively coarse texture. It can be used in garden beds, Container Planting, General Garden Use, Border
Edging, Mass Planting, Hanging Baskets etc. Blusher has concord grape purple coloured leaves of rich texture with a flash of
violet-pink or magenta in the vein which is restricted towards the centre. Leaves are purple underneath and stems and
petioles are purplish in colour. It is a dwarf and compact type and can be used for container planting and for interior
decoration purpose. Green Halo has bold greenish yellow large leaves blazed with a creamy white flash in the centre. Stem
and petioles are greenish white in colour and leaves are light greenish white underneath. It has unique colour and patterns and
suited for container planting. It performs well in landscapes, patio planters and mixed containers. Electric lime has lime green
coloured toothed leaves with contrasting and prominent bright yellowish white spots and streaks all over and has distinct
white leaf veins. Leaves are greenish with white spots underneath and stems and petioles are greenish white in colour. It
could be used in planters because of its gorgeous and elegant look. They had a uniform growth pattern and consistent
colouration. It can also be planted in garden beds, pots and baskets and can be planted more densely. It has stunning colour
and unique leaf patterns. Its bright lemon-lime leaves electrify the shady areas of landscape. Freckles has bright yellowish

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green leaves, speckled with maroon all over. This attractive plant tends to offer light greenish leaves in low light, but still
maintains an distinctive beauty. It could be planted in vertical gardens as they give thick and bold texture because of its sharp
contrast.
Wizard Mosaic has bright chartreuse, heavily marked and finely sectored dark mahogany red to maroon red with a brilliant
mix of the two shades and has a distinct purple vein. The underside of the leaves is green in colour and stem is light green in
colour. Wizard mosaic could be planted in vertical gardens and they give bold texture because of its sharp contrast. They
displayed attractive leaf characteristics like fancy leaves and bizarre colouration. Black berry waffles has deep purple-black
or velvettish vine coloured and highly serrated or toothed foliage with grape vine colour underneath. Stem and petioles are
dark purple in colour. It is a dazzling plant with deep purple colour and has a unique texture. It has a sturdy growth habit. It
can be planted in garden beds, pots and baskets. It is excellent for the landscape and for mixed containers. Indian Summer
Coleus has gorgeous toothed and pointed leaves with distinctive dark pinkish red vein and tinges of green and pink. It has an
upright spreading habit of growth with striking colours and patterns. Indian Summer Coleus is recommended for different
landscape applications like Hanging Baskets, General Garden Use, Container Planting, Edging purpose, Mass Planting, etc.
Finger paint has burgundy and lime-yellow bicoloured foliage. Irregular burgundy splashes on lime green to yellow leave
make this a colourful addition to summer gardens, pots, mixed containers or landscape beds. It is ideal for pots on the
courtyard or in the house, in border fringes or raised garden beds.
Based on the present study, different ornamental coleus cultivars were thus identified that could be used for various purposes
in landscaping and is illustrated in Fig 1 and Fig 2. Different coleus cultivars used in the present study exhibited an incredible
range of diversity for various traits studied and can be recommended for the landscape applications like use in Beds, Borders,
Edging, Hedge, Planters, Mass planting, Hanging baskets, Vertical gardens, Container plantings, General Garden Use etc.
The study in similar line was conducted earlier by Christine et al., 2005. Recommendations derived from the present study
are as follows. Ornamental coleus cultivars like Trailing Queen, Kong Jr, Black berry Waffles and Private Dancer could be
used in beds since they possessed dazzling colouration in the foliage. Grape Expectations, Kong Scarlet, Mahogany Giant
and Antique could be used for border planting since they are tall varieties. Medium tall Varieties like Eruption, Gold giant
and Dare devil are well appropriate as hedges in shady areas. They possessed appealing colouration. Apple mint, Gay Delight
and Electric lime could be used in planters because of its gorgeous and elegant look. They had a uniform growth pattern and
consistent colouration. Varieties suited for hanging basket include Juicy Lucy, Indian summer coleus and Miss Manohan
because of its compact dense nature. Pistachio Nightmare, Freckles, Finger Paint and Wizard mosaic could be planted in
vertical gardens and they give bold texture because of its sharp contrast. They displayed attractive leaf characteristics like
fancy leaves and bizarre colouration. Dwarf and compact types like Blusher, Green Halo and Tilt a whirl can be used for
container planting and for interior decoration purpose. Tilt a whirl was an admirable cultivar because of its distinctive leaf
shape and compact nature. There was little or no disease and pest incidence on different coleus cultivars evaluated. This is
first hand information which will allow folks involved in nursery industry to give appropriate planting recommendations for
their clients or customers.

FIG. 1. COLEUS CULTIVARS RECOMMENDED TO FUNCTION FOR VARIOUS PURPOSES IN LANDSCAPING

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FIG.2 : VARIABILITY OBSERVED IN COLEUS COLLECTION AT ICAR –CCARI, ELA, OLD GOA

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IV. CONCLUSION
In conclusion, these inconspicuous flower bearing ornamental plants like coleus could be used in shady landscapes and
throughout the home to beautify the surroundings. The attractive and splendid foliage of these plants even challenges a
brightest bloom. They improve the visual appeal and adds colour to the shady landscape. A foliage plant in a living room
provides a hue of colour and helps to soften harsh lines from furniture and architectural design. The mere presence of
ornamental foliage plant like coleus in our surroundings brings a vibrant feeling of refreshment. The image and look of the
area whether it’s home or office or hospital is enhanced by the growing of these ornamental plants. Apart from providing
pleasant aesthetics, these foliage ornamental plants utilize the vacant spots in an efficient manner and fill our surroundings
with fresh oxygen. Thus growing plants in the indoor as well as in the surroundings, helps in making our lives better by
creating a vibrant and refreshing atmosphere.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors thank the Director of the Institute, for providing the necessary facilities to carry out this research work.

REFERENCES
[1] Christine E. Coker, Patricia R. Knight and John M. Anderson, 2005. Landscape performance of sun coleus in Southern Mississippi.
Hort Technology. P.690-693.
[2] D. K. Patel, 2013. Some Ornamental plants and Their Propagation. Indian Journal of Applied Research. P.428-430
[3] Erica A. Stock and Allen D. Owings, 2000. The Colour of Coleus. Louisiana State University Agricultural Centre publication.
[4] Jean Knowles, 2012. Coleus provides easy colour in autumn garden. Gardeners’ Dirt .
[5] Jill M. Nicolaus, 2012. Crazy Colorful Coleus for Sun or Shade. Critterologist
[6] Panse V. G. and Sukhatme P.V. 1978. Statistical methods for Agricultural Workers, ICAR, New Delhi. 145-156.

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