How cold hardy is coleus?
Coleus temperature tolerance isn't very high, and they can't handle the cold. They're only hardy in zones 10 or warmer, and will start to suffer when it is consistently below 50°F. Though they can handle brief periods of freezing temps, they will quickly start to die after the first touches of frost in the fall.
Can coleus survive a freeze?
The short answer is that coleus are not frost-tolerant plants. While not impossible for them to regrow after a frost, most will likely die if they are exposed to colder temperatures and are hit by frost. They will not survive in areas that get below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can I leave coleus outside in winter?
When nighttime temperatures rise above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, it's safe to move them outdoors. Transition the coleus by bringing them outside during the day and indoors at night, suggests the University of Minnesota Extension.Sep 24, 2020
Do coleus come back after winter?
Mild-Winter Areas The North Carolina State extension service describes coleus as a "tender perennial." If you live in the mildest winter areas of U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11, your coleus has a good chance of surviving the winter outdoors.
What temp can coleus survive?
Generally speaking, coleus plants are too tender to survive temperatures at the literal freezing point, which is, of course, 32 degrees. Ideally, the coleus likes it nice and hot – temperatures up to 95 degrees, according to the National Garden Bureau – but it can survive temps in the 60s, 50s and even 40s.Jul 15, 2020
Will coleus survive indoors in the winter?
Given adequate light, coleus overwinters easily indoors. Dig up healthy plants in the fall, just before cold weather hits. Make sure you get as much of the root system as possible. Pot your plants in suitable containers with well-draining soil and water them thoroughly.Apr 26, 2021
Are coleus perennials or annuals?
Coleus is technically a tender perennial and not cold hardy in much of the country, so many gardeners simply grow it as an annual. But even in wintry climes, you can keep favorite plants going by taking cuttings in early fall to propagate indoors.
Is coleus indoor or outdoor plant?
Although coleus is typically grown outdoors as an annual, its vibrant leaves provide many months of enjoyment indoors if growing conditions are just right. In fact, coleus plants respond well to potted environments. Read on to learn more about growing coleus as an indoor plant.Apr 3, 2021
How do you keep coleus alive in the winter?
Coleus should be kept rather dry over the winter to avoid rotting their roots. Remember, these are tropical plants that prefer sun and heat. They don't take kindly to cold, wet soil, so water only when the pot seems fairly light and the soil surface is completely dry.Sep 16, 2008
Is coleus an outdoor plant?
Plant coleus in a sunny or partly shaded spot, in moist but well-drained soil. Coleus are low growing, so they look best at the front of a border, combined with other bedding plants, or in pot on a patio. If you're growing coleus as a house plant, grow it in a bright spot that gets a little direct sun.Jan 7, 2019
Can a coleus plant live outdoors?
In USDA zones 10 and 11, coleus can be planted outdoors year-round. When growing coleus as an annual in other zones, plant outside in the spring after all danger of frost has passed.
How do you care for coleus plants outside?
Avoid overly damp soils, which can cause leaf drop and encourage disease. Plant coleus after danger of frost has passed when soil temperatures have warmed sufficiently and evening temperatures are above 60 degrees F. Feed plants regularly with a water-soluble fertilizer, especially if they are growing in containers.Jan 26, 2021
How to grow Coleus?
Mulch will help the soil retain moisture longer, but don't use cedar mulch, which can be toxic to coleus. Also, don't let the mulch touch the stems, as it can promote rot and hide slugs.
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.".
Why do breeders pinch off flowers?
The tiny blue to white flowers are insignificant, and most growers pinch them off to keep the plant's energy devoted to leaf production. Featured Video.
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.
Do you need to fertilize Coleus?
Fertilizer. If you have rich soil, you may not need to feed coleus plants at all. If you have poor soil, give the plants a monthly feeding with a balanced fertilizer mixed at half strength. You’ll get the best color from your coleus leaves if you go easy on the fertilizer.
