does coleus do well in sun

by Dr. Manley Schmidt Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Some modern coleus varieties handle full sun, but most still flourish with at least dappled shade and direct sun limited to morning hours. Too much sun or intense midday rays leave foliage scorched and faded; too little light causes weak growth. A balance is important for coleus beauty and health.

Do Coleus like full sun or shade?

Morning sun is the most important for proper growth and development, with the afternoon shade being preferred. Seeded varieties of coleus like shade while most of the modern vegetatively propagated varieties grow like full sun exposure. Sunlight tolerance is also a factor of general climate in these plants:

Is Coleus a good house plant?

Coleus plants, made popular as Victorian bedding plants, made a huge comeback during the 1990s and show no sign of fading back into anonymity. These lovely foliage plants give us all-season color in full sun, shade, and everything in between, and are the ultimate in low maintenance.

How do you plant sun loving Coleus?

Sun-loving coleus with contrasting-edge leaf margins are easy-to-grow annual foliage plants. The distinctive patterns formed by the leaf margins make these plants stand out in the garden. You can plant them in container gardens or landscape beds where plants will combine with flowering annuals and perennials to brighten the display.

Can you save Coleus for next season?

Winter Care. Coleus turn to mush with the first freezing temperatures. If you want to save plants for next season, you have a couple of options. You can lift and pot up a whole plant and bring it indoors to grow it as a houseplant or put it with your other seedlings until next season.

Which coleus is good for full sun?

Two of my favorite coleus varieties are 'Wasabi', and 'Redhead', because they are absolutely stunning when planted in the same container and they flourish in the sun. Both grow about the same height and the combination of the chartreuse 'Wasabi' and the wine-colored 'Redhead' is simply stunning.

Does coleus take hot afternoon sun?

Use potting soil in containers, it is the perfect blend of water retaining/draining that coleus love. Lastly, even a coleus in full sun will appreciate a bit of afternoon dappled shade.

Can coleus tolerate heat?

Coleus plants (Coleus scutellarioides) are prized for their colorful foliage, which may combine shades of green, yellow, pink, red, rust, and maroon. New introductions of this popular summer annual plant have been selected for increased sun and heat tolerance.

Where does coleus grow best?

Coleus performs best with filtered morning sun and shade in the afternoon, especially in hot climates. Plants grown in containers indoors usually get plenty of light from indirect sun during the warmer (brighter) months but may need to be exposed to filtered sunlight during the winter.

Do coleus do better in pots or in the ground?

Coleus can grow well in pots or the ground, making them a versatile addition to an outdoor space. The colorful foliage of Coleus will brighten up a patio, porch, or balcony. When grown in a container, the plant can easily be moved to a spot in need of color or an area that provides more favorable conditions.

Do coleus need big pots?

As a minimum, you'll want a pot that's eight inches wide and deep for a single plant. If you want to plant more than one, or add some colorful annual flowers, then consider a large planter. Make sure your container has draining holes on the bottom.

How long do coleus plants live for?

The average lifespan of a coleus plant is one year. It's not uncommon for indoor plants to live between 3-4 years if they are properly cared for, which means proper watering, sunlight, the right soil, and the right plant food to keep it green, and healthy.

What causes coleus to wilt?

Coleus becomes limp when it gets distressed. Leaves of Coleus become wilted and limp when it is too cold outside. The same symptoms are seen in the case of overwatering.

Do coleus come back every year?

Do coleus come back every year? In tropical climates and in their native environment, Coleus is a perennial plant that can come back every year. During the cold season, the stems die back but the roots don't. This allows perennials to regenerate the following year.

How do you keep a coleus bushy?

You can make coleus bushy by routinely pinching the stems and leaves from the plant. Over time, the main stem or trunk of your coleus will become strong and support a larger, fuller plant. Regular feeding with a diluted liquid fertilizer can also promote growth.

Should you let coleus flower?

Some gardeners leave the small flowers, but it's best to pinch them off to direct more energy into stem and foliage growth. Coleus left to flower may lose vigor as the plant puts energy into seed production.

Is coleus fast growing?

When growing coleus, keep in mind that these beauties can grow rapidly. Plant coleus close together as bedding plants or tuck them into baskets and containers for a fast growing and spectacular addition.

How much sun can coleus plants tolerate?

Most coleus plants require about 6 hours of sunlight in the morning hours with shade being preferred all afternoon. However, this depends on the variety you're growing in your garden and flowerbeds. Some modern varieties of coleus can tolerate full sun exposure all day long especially when growing in humid climates.

What temperature does coleus like?

Coleus plants prefer an average temperature above 60 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. In winter, they can tolerate a slightly lower temperature, though they should always be kept about 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can Caladiums tolerate full sun?

Heart to Heart® 'Heart's Delight' Sun or Shade Caladium Caladium hortulanum. The optimum amount of sun or shade each plant needs to thrive: Full Sun (6+ hours), Part Sun (4-6 hours), Full Shade (up to 4 hours).

Will coleus come back every year?

Why do coleus plants need more sunlight?

Since exposure to the sun warms the plant up, increasing the amount of sunlight in a cool climate serves as a way to keep the temperature of your coleus balanced.

How Many Hours of Sun Do Coleus Need?

While the amount of sun a coleus plant prefers depends on the variety and the climate , it’s best not to expose them to sunlight for too long as too much sun can cause adverse effects , whereas too much shade won’t.

What Is the Best Place for Your Coleus?

As a coleus plant requires a mixture of sunlight and partial shade for optimal growth, you will need to find a place that satisfies both conditions throughout the day.

What is Coleus nettle?

Coleus (also known as painted nettle) plants are a fantastic addition to any home with their beautiful and vibrant colored foliage.

Can Coleus be found in the sun?

Just as it’s possible to find coleus variants that do well in the sun, it’s also possible to find ones that do better in the shade.

Do Coleus plants like sunlight?

The consensus is that cultivars of coleus prefer extended periods of exposure to sunlight to grow optimally and produce the most vibrant colors possible. On the other hand, coleus variants that grow in the wild do better with higher amounts of shade.

Is coleus easy to grow?

Alongside being a beautiful plant, coleus is extremely easy to care for as it’s not too demanding in terms of the conditions it requires to stay healthy and grow.

Coleus Outdoor Planting

These plants do well as both live starts and as seeds plantings. Coleus will survive outdoors in spring as soon as all danger of frost is gone.

Coleus varieties for Shade

Most coleus varieties I have planted outdoors over the last few decades do well in light shade or morning light as annuals.

Tips for Growing Coleus Indoors

Any low light coleus will grow fine indoors. The molten glass works series is popular for the home. They will enjoy strong indirect light in your home.

Blue Coleus Plants

The hundreds of Coleus cultivars offer amazing diversity of texture, color and verve. They come in MANY varieties, colors, sizes and leaf patterns.

Toxic Plants

All coleus are moderately toxic and should not be available to pets or children.

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What is the color of the red Ulrich coleus?

Red Ulrich coleus. ( Solenostemon 'Red Ulrich') has a purple central medallion surrounded by a band of red and a narrow edge of green. As leaves age or as light intensity diminishes, the green edge becomes more pronounced. It has a narrow, upright growth habit reaching 2 feet tall. Religious Radish coleus.

How tall is Jodonna coleus?

It grows best in sun or part shade, reaching 24 to 30 inches tall. Kiwi Fern coleus.

How tall does a Solenostemon grow?

It grows 18 inches tall.

What is the color of the Solenostemon?

It is also known as 'Alabama Sunset', 'Alabama Sun', 'Bellingrath Pink', and 'Coppertone'. Part of the confusion comes from its changeable coloration, which ranges from coppery red to pink and gold depending on time of year and amount of sun it receives. It grows 3 feet tall.

Can coleus be grown in containers?

What is the best coleus to grow in the same container?

Two of my favorite coleus varieties are ‘Wasabi’, and ‘Redhead’, because they are absolutely stunning when planted in the same container and they flourish in the sun. Both grow about the same height and the combination of the chartreuse ‘Wasabi’ and the wine-colored ‘Redhead’ is simply stunning.

How tall does Coleus grow?

In the shade garden mix coleus with caladium, begonia, impatiens, or polka dot plant. Keep in mind that some coleus varieties can grow to 3 feet tall and wide so you may want to do an occasional trimming to keep them from overtaking their neighbors. Plus, giving coleus an occasional haircut will promote more bushy, compact growth.

Can Coleus grow in the shade?

Coleus are a snap to grow, too. Start by reading the plant label to see if you have a shade-only variety or one of the newer models that thrive in sun or shade. That way, you can be sure you’ll be giving your plants the right light exposure in the garden.

Do coleus flowers open?

Unlike some other annuals, there’s no waiting for flowers to open because the coleus leaves looks terrific in pots, planters, window boxes or tucked around other annuals and perennials in the flower border. Two of my favorite coleus varieties are ‘Wasabi’, and ‘Redhead’, because they are absolutely stunning when planted in ...

Can you take a coleus cutting indoors?

When frost threatens in the fall, you can bring your potted coleus indoors and treat them as houseplants. Or just take a few cuttings, root them in water, and start fresh new plants for indoor use. I should also add that because coleus is so colorful and so easy, they make great plants for kids.

Can Coleus wilt?

Coleus have few insect and disease problems, but they may wilt dramatically if they get too dry. Luckily, a quick drink from the watering can will quickly revive them. Remember that coleus are tropical in nature and should be planted after all frost danger has passed in your area.

What climate does Coleus thrive in?

As a tropical plant, coleus thrives in hot, humid conditions. In temperate climates, the barest hint of frost will spell the end of the plants. Make sure to take cuttings of any favorite plants before the weather turns cold.

How to grow coleus in a container?

To grow coleus in a container, start with a large pot that the plant can grow into; otherwise, you'll be repotting this fast-growing plant before you know it. In mixed container plantings, coleus usually serves as an upright "thriller" plant in the center of the container, surrounded by "fillers" and "spillers.".

Is Coleus a part shade plant?

Coleus is a classic part-shade to full-shade plant, but light exposure depends on the variety. The old-fashioned seed-grown coleus does best in part shade to full shade, but the newer cultivars have their best color if grown where they can receive more sun. However, it also depends on your climate.

Can coleus be used as a bedding plant?

Coleus is normally used as an annual bedding plant or in outdoor container gardens and baskets. In colder zones, container plants are sometimes moved indoors to overwinter. Warmer zones can grow coleus as garden perennials, where they can grow to resemble small shrubs with thick woody stems. When planted in the ground, coleus plants are often massed for dramatic impact; they can also be used as edging plants.

Is Coleus a mint plant?

Coleus plants are in the Lamiaceae, or mint, family, characterized by square stems and opposite leaves . However, the foliage can vary widely in shape, style, and color.

Is Coleus a low maintenance plant?

These lovely foliage plants give us all-season color in full sun, shade, and everything in between, and are the ultimate in low maintenance. Coleus is a tender tropical plant, native to areas bordering the equator. It loves the heat but will happily grow as an annual in just about any garden.

Is Coleus a perennial or annual?

Botanical Names. Plectranthus scutellarioides. Common Name. Coleus. Plant Type. Herbacious perennial (usually grown as an annual)