Confused: Do Coleus Like Sun or Shade? Find the correct answer in this comprehensive guide and make your plants stay vibrant always.
Coleus can bring colors to any space with its bright hues; this plant is quite easy to grow if water and sunlight requirements are fulfilled correctly. But here the question is, Do Coleus Like Sun or Shade? Find the answer below.
Botanical Name: Plectranthus scutellarioides
USDA Zones: 10-11
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Do Coleus Like Sun or Shade?
The answer to this question is contradictory as commonly, coleus plants perform well in warmth and produce bright-colored leaves in fully or partially shaded gardens. Some coleus varieties prefer full sun, whereas others favor partial sun.
Coleus plants have a mixed need for sun or shade, as the morning sun is essential for proper growth and development, with a preferred afternoon shade. Modern vegetatively planted cultivars prefer the full sun, while seeded varieties like shade.
Sunlight resistance is also an element of the general climate in coleus plants:
- All coleus varieties require shade if grown in hot and dry climates.
- In cool climates, this plant needs more sun exposure.
- A few hybrid varieties that can bloom are hardy and tolerate full sun from morning to late afternoon.
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Coleus Plant Sunlight Requirements
Many coleus varieties need around 6 hours of sunlight in the morning hours with an afternoon shade. However, it also depends on the variety you are growing in the garden and flowerbeds. In humid climates, some varieties can withstand full sun all day long.
Before planting coleus in your home or garden, read the label to know if the variety is adaptable to the sun or not.
Remember that, for the best colors, sufficient sun exposure is a must for the coleus. Hence, if your garden receives full sun the entire day, select the coleus variety with dark hues for the best colors and survival.
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Coleus Varieties for Full Sun
These cultivars are sun-resistant and do well in sunny areas.
- ColorBlaze Torchlight
- Coleosaurus
- Henna
- Wasabi coleus
- Red Carpet
- Blonde Bombshell
- Box Office Bronze
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Coleus Varieties for Shade
For partially sunny or shady areas, choose coleus that fits low-light conditions. Some varieties suitable for partial shade are:
- Stained Glassworks Molten Lava
- Honey Crisp
- Stained Glassworks Eruption.
- Cranberry Bog
- Kong Mosaic
Note: Varieties like Inferno coleus suit well both sun and shade. Campfire also does well in both sun and shade.
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Light Requirements for Coleus Growing Indoors
Keep your coleus plant indoors where it gets lots of morning sun and indirect, filtered light for the rest of the day. If you can monitor coleus and your home is sufficiently warm, then coleus can endure the winter.
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Why is Coleus Losing Color?
Coleus can survive in dappled sun and will begin to lose color in too much sun. Briefly, it dislikes too much or direct sun; overexposure leads to loss of colors with old foliage fading to a prominent extent. If planted in the full sun, pinch off old leaves so new, colorful leaves develop.
Keep in mind that coleus varieties for full sun turn vibrantly colorful if they meet the requirement as opposed to being located in shaded locations.