Chocolate Mint Coleus: A Deliciously Deceptive Plant
- Alla P.
- 4 hours ago
- 1 min read
The name ‘Chocolate Mint’ is a bit of a misnomer. This coleus doesn’t smell like chocolate or mint, but it does have a deliciously deceptive beauty. The leaves are a deep, rich brown, edged with a bright, minty green. It’s a striking combination, one that never fails to draw compliments. In this post, I want to share my fascination with this unique and captivating plant.
Chocolate Mint Coleus: A Study in Contrasts
What I love most about Chocolate Mint is the way the colors play off each other. The dark, chocolatey centers make the minty green edges pop. It’s a plant that has a lot of personality, a real standout in any garden. It’s especially beautiful in the morning light, when the dew-kissed leaves seem to sparkle.
Chocolate Mint Coleus: My Minty Mishap
I once made the mistake of planting Chocolate Mint next to a very aggressive, spreading groundcover. I thought the two plants would complement each other, but the groundcover quickly overwhelmed the coleus, smothering it and stealing its light. It was a rookie mistake, but it taught me the importance of considering the growth habits of plants when designing a garden bed.
How to Grow a Perfect Chocolate Mint Coleus
Light: Chocolate Mint does best in partial shade. Too much sun can cause the dark centers to fade.
Water: Keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy.
Soil: A well-draining potting mix is a must.
Fertilizer: Feed every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Pinching: Pinch back the tips to encourage a bushier, more compact plant.
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