Combo Chef: Foliage fanatic

Landscape designer Cathy Testa created this foliage-rich combination for large containers. Golden shrimp plant is placed in the center and flanked by coleus Kong Rose and Ipomoea batatas ‘Ace of Spades.’

Golden shrimp plant (Pachystachys lutea) grows best in growing media low in organic matter. It produces more flowers when more nitrate nitrogen is used rather than ammoniacal nitrogen. Feed with 175-200 parts per million nitrogen on a continual liquid fertilizer program to maintain dark foliage and good flower production.

Grow in full sun to light shade and maintain temperatures between 68°F-75°F. Leaf drop will occur at temperatures less than 60°F. Keep humidity at 65 percent or higher.

Coleus Kong Rose requires day temperatures of 70°F-75°F and night temperatures of 62°F to 65°F. If light is higher than 5,000 footcandles, provide shade.

Use a well-drained, soilless medium with a medium initial nutrient charge and a pH of 5.5 to 6.0.

Fertilize every other week with 15-0-15, alternating with 20-10-20 at 150-200 ppm nitrogen. Excessive feed can lead to dull coloration and decreased vigor. Pinching is not necessary -- it leads to smaller leaves and delays crop time.

Space Kong coleus so the plants won’t grow too tall. Growth regulators are generally not needed.

In combination planters, Kong grows best when planted near the outside of the container.

Pinch Ipomoea batatas ‘Ace of Spades’ once, two weeks after planting rooted cuttings. ‘Ace of Spades’ in combination baskets requires a second pinch about two weeks before sale.

Provide night temperatures of 55°F-60°F and daytime temperatures in the 70s.

Feed with a 15-16-17 at 100-200 ppm nitrogen. Watch for oedema in conditions of reduced transpiration such as low light or high humidity. This is not caused by disease.

Production

Pachystachys lutea: Maintain temperatures at 68°F-75°F; humidity at least 65 percent; feed with 175-200 parts per million nitrogen; nitrate nitrogen is best; grow in full sun or part shade.

Coleus Kong Rose: Maintain day temperatures at 70°F-75°F; night temperatures at 62°F-65°F; provide shade with light higher than 5,000 footcandles; well-drained, soilless medium with a pH of 5.5-6.0; no pinching necessary; plant near the outside of the container in combinations.

Ipomoea ‘Ace of Spades’: Feed with a 15-16-17 at 100-200 ppm nitrogen; keep day temperatures in the 70s and between 55°F-60°F at night; grows best in high light and low humidity.

For more: Cathy T’s Landscape Designs, (860) 977-9473; ctesta@sbcglobal.net.

- Kelli Rodda

Recipe 

a. Pachystachys lutea

b. Coleus Kong Rose

c. Ipomoea batatas ‘Ace of Spades’

May 2008

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