The Vibrant Beauty of Main Street Ruby Road Coleus

Coleus is a genus of colorful leafy plants that have become a staple in gardens and container plantings. With their diversity of foliage colors, shapes, and textures, coleus provide an easy way to add visual interest to both sunny and shaded areas. One of the most striking coleus on the market is Main Street Ruby Road. This eye-catching variety boasts a vibrant mix of scarlet, burgundy, and green that makes it a real standout.

Main Street Ruby Road coleus is a patented variety bred by Ball FloraPlant. It’s part of the Main Street series known for bushy, compact coleus that work well in containers and edging. This coleus grows 16 to 24 inches tall with an upright habit. The foliage is a showstopper – bright scarlet red centers give way to deep burgundy and finish with a Kelly green edge. The contrast is bold and beautiful.

While many coleus do best in shade, Main Street Ruby Road can tolerate some sun, especially when temperatures are not too hot This makes it versatile to use in both sunny and shadier spots The foliage tends to be more vividly colored when grown in sunnier locations.

Like others in the series, Main Street Ruby Road coleus has a naturally neat, mounding form. It doesn’t require much trimming to keep its nice shape. Flower spikes should be removed as they appear to encourage more lush foliage growth.

Growing Tips for Main Street Ruby Road Coleus

Main Street Ruby Road coleus isn’t difficult to grow, but it does have some preferred growing conditions. Here are some tips for success:

• Planting: Plant in spring after all danger of frost has passed. Space plants 12-18 inches apart in the garden.

• Soil: Grow in fertile, well-draining soil. Amend with compost or manure. Ideal pH is 6.0-7.0.

• Sun: Does well in part sun to part shade. Protect from hot afternoon sun.

• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not saturated. Avoid overhead watering.

• Fertilizer: Feed every 2-4 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Use half strength for containers.

• Overwintering: Main Street Ruby Road coleus is not hardy below 40°F. Take cuttings in late summer or overwinter plants indoors.

• Pests & diseases: Watch for mealybugs, mites, and downy mildew. Ensure adequate airflow and avoid excessive moisture.

Companion Plants for Main Street Ruby Road Coleus

The diverse colors and leaf shapes of Main Street Ruby Road coleus provide lots of options for plant pairings. Here are some great companion plants to try:

• Caladiums: Mix caladiums and coleus together for a big bold tapestry of colorful leaves. Both do well in shade.

• Impatiens: Bright impatiens flowers add pops of color to areas where coleus thrives. New Guinea impatiens can tolerate more sun.

• Begonias: Combine coleus with begonias that offer attractive foliage and blooms. Try a trailing begonia in a mixed container.

• Ferns: Texture contrast! Upright coleus stands out nicely against soft, feathery ferns.

• Hostas: Hostas and coleus are shade loving favorites. Try mixing varieties with contrasting leaf shapes and variegation.

Design Uses for Main Street Ruby Road Coleus

Main Street Ruby Road coleus brings drama to gardens, containers, and more. Here are some ways to spotlight this variety:

• Use as a thrilling foliage accent in beds and borders. Underplant with sweet alyssum or creeping Jenny.

• Plant in mixed containers withcalibrachoa, lantana, sweet potato vine and other sun-loving annuals.

• Edge a pathway with a row of Main Street Ruby Road coleus for a pop of color.

• Display in collector’s pots and dish gardens along with Rex begonias, ivy, and other shade loving foliage.

• Highlight it as a focal point in areas like beneath trees or flanking a bench. Allow it to stand out.

• Use as a foliage filler in hanging baskets mixed with trailing vines and cascading plants.

Caring for Main Street Ruby Road Coleus

Main Street Ruby Road coleus thrives with simple care. Monitor soil moisture frequently and water whenever the top inch becomes dry. Use a soluble fertilizer every 2-4 weeks to encourage vigorous growth. Watch for drooping leaves or dull color as signs the plant needs a drink and feeding.

Pinch back the tips of each stem by a few inches throughout the season to promote bushier growth. Flower stalks redirect energy away from leaf production, so snip these off as they appear.

Turn the plant periodically if the foliage shows a tendency to lean toward the light source. This encourages even growth. Move containers and plants indoors before nighttime temperatures dip below 40°F in fall.

The Lasting Beauty of Main Street Ruby Road Coleus

Main Street Ruby Road coleus provides rich color impact through the entire frost-free season. Its relatively compact size makes it ideal for containers that can be moved indoors for winter. Or take cuttings in late summer to carry this vibrant variety over to the next growing year.

If you’re looking to add bold foliar drama to your garden beds, borders, pots or window boxes, Main Street Ruby Road coleus is sure to stop traffic. The eye-popping color combination of scarlet, burgundy and green foliage will create a focal point wherever it’s planted.