Hurricane Jenni Coleus

Hurricane Jenni Coleus (Coleus scutellarioides 'Hurricane Jenni')

Hurricane Jenni Coleus brings bold, stormy foliage color to containers, borders, and seasonal plantings with a look that feels lively and dramatic without relying on flowers. Its dark burgundy to brown-red leaves edged in bright lime green give it strong contrast, which makes it especially useful when a planting needs more depth and motion. This selection is a strong choice for gardeners who want dependable foliage impact from spring through frost with a habit that stays useful in mixed designs. When a space needs stronger color and a little more attitude, Hurricane Jenni fits beautifully.

It works especially well in patio pots, porch planters, and mixed annual beds where the vivid leaf margins can sharpen softer companions and brighten darker corners. The upright, bushy habit also helps it hold its own in combinations instead of disappearing into the background. Because it is grown for foliage, it keeps contributing for the full warm season rather than peaking for only a short bloom period. For gardeners who want a coleus with more contrast and a more energetic garden presence, this variety delivers.

Distinctive Features

Hurricane Jenni Coleus is grown for its serrated, ruffled foliage in deep burgundy to brown-red tones, finished with bright lime to yellow-green edging that creates a high-contrast outline around each leaf. The plant forms an upright, vigorous, bushy mound that looks full and colorful even without companion flowers. Like other coleus, it may produce small flower spikes later in the season, but the foliage remains the main attraction and is often preferred over bloom. Its swirling dark center and vivid edge pattern give it a more animated and dramatic look than many flatter-colored coleus selections.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Grow in part sun to full sun, with regular moisture helping the foliage stay fresh and colorful in brighter exposures.
• Soil: Plant in rich, loose, well-drained soil with organic matter for steady growth and healthy foliage.
• Water: Provide regular water to keep the soil evenly moist, especially in containers and during summer heat.
• Zones: This plant is generally hardy in USDA Zones 10 to 11 and is commonly grown as an annual or overwintered indoors in colder climates.
• Deer Resistance: Deer resistance is not fully reliable, so it is best treated as only moderately resistant where browsing pressure is high.

Ideal Uses

• Containers: This selection is excellent in patio pots, porch planters, and mixed seasonal containers where its dark foliage and lime edges can anchor brighter companions.
• Borders: Use it in annual or tropical-style borders where the upright habit can add structure and stronger foliage contrast.
• Mass Plantings: Planted in groups, it can create broad sweeps of dark foliage with bright edges for a more dramatic seasonal effect.
• Entry Gardens: Its bold leaf pattern makes it especially useful near doors, walkways, and other close-view spaces.
• Focal Point: Use Hurricane Jenni Coleus as a focal point in a mixed container or border where its burgundy foliage and lime-green edges can anchor the design and make surrounding colors feel more vivid.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, especially in containers and during hot weather.
• Pinching: Pinch growing tips regularly to encourage bushier growth and maintain a fuller, more compact shape.
• Flower Removal: Remove flower spikes when they appear if you want the plant to direct more energy into foliage.
• Feeding: Feed lightly during active growth, especially in containers, to support strong leaf color and steady growth.
• Overwintering: Bring plants indoors before frost or root cuttings easily if you want to save this selection for the next season.

Why Choose Hurricane Jenni Coleus?

• High-Contrast Foliage: The dark burgundy leaves with bright lime edges give this plant a more vivid and animated look than many standard coleus varieties.
• Season-Long Interest: It provides dependable foliage impact from planting time until frost in warm-season displays.
• Upright Habit: Its vigorous, bushy growth helps it hold structure well in containers and mixed plantings.
• Versatile Placement: It works beautifully in pots, borders, entry plantings, and larger seasonal combinations.
• Easy Maintenance: With regular moisture and occasional pinching, it stays full, colorful, and garden-ready with minimal fuss.

Hurricane Jenni Coleus is a practical and visually striking choice for gardeners who want stronger foliage contrast and a plant that can energize a design all season. Its upright habit, bold coloring, and broad usefulness in containers and beds make it especially valuable in mixed plantings. When the goal is to create a seasonal display with more motion, depth, and color intensity, this variety is easy to appreciate.