Coleus ‘Black Patent Leather’

I think I could claim a new favorite coleus every year, and for 2011 I would have to say my choice is Black Patent Leather. The leaves of this beautiful foliage plant are so incredibly black and have the most unique bubbly textured surface. Shared with us by the gardeners at Chanticleer, this coleus also goes by the name of Shiny Shoes. It doesn’t try to flower much but does need a little pinching back to keep it bushy. Black Patent Leather Coleus looks great in containers or combined with plants that have gold, silver or white foliage and also contrasts well with lightly colored flowering plants.