Autumn plants in Japan: coleus

Each year from summer to autumn Shinrin Park (Saitama) have a beautiful display of coleus plants. They are best seen in autumn as they are higher and fuller than in summer. They are quite a heat resistant plant, so while many flowers have suffered this year due to the heat, the coleus have remained unscathed. 

Coleus 

Like so many plants and flowers, I had never seen coleus until I came to Japan. Supposedly the plant is native to Southeast Asia. I really don't know a lot about it, but what I have learned over the years I will share. The plant starts off low with small leaves and within a couple of weeks, the plant grows and the leaves reach around 15 centimeters in diameter. Moreover, this year I learned at an open garden that coleus does actually flower. But you are supposed to remove the flower in order for the leaves to grow and shine! And shine they do, in various hues. I love the contrast of the red and yellow leaves.

The first time I saw coleus was in the aforementioned Shinrin Park a few years ago and I have gone back annually to see them. They don't grow them every year though. They typically grow each plant or flower for a few years and then change the display to another plant or flower. This is quite common in parks with flower displays. I would imagine the reason is two fold. One, supposedly its better for the soil to mix it up every now and then! And two, to keep things interesting and keep people coming back to the park!

Have you seen any coleus plants during your time in Japan? Any displays you would recommend visiting?