This gorgeous heirloom was among the favorites during the "Coleus craze" of the late Victorian era, and it's easy to see why! Soft, velvety, neatly serrated leaves of deepest burgundy-maroon look black atop these upright 12- to 16-inch plants. 6 inches long and 3 to 4 inches wide, they make a big impact, held out flat from the plant.

Originally selected as a houseplant, Giant Exhibition Palisandra is also a fine specimen in the shade garden, and is just the right size for containers. One of a series of reselected Victorian Coleus, it is also fabulous in a mass planting with other varieties from its era. Take a look at the luscious chartreuse Limelight, the bronzy-russet Copper Queen, or just get all 11 of these magnificent heirlooms with the Complete Mix!

Coleus germinates readily and grows eagerly. For bushier, fuller plants, keep the growing tips pinched. To extend the lush color into fall, remove any stray flower spikes that emerge -- they take energy away from maintaining the gorgeous foliage, and the flowers are insignificant. If growing in the garden, sow about 12 inches apart. If growing indoors for houseplants, sow at any time, placing the young plants in a well-lit window. Pkt is 20 seeds.