Does Coleus Need Sun or Shade? (And List of Varieties)

If you are searching for “does coleus need sun or shade”, then before that let me tell you they are one of the most gorgeous plants with colorful foliage and are grown all season. They have an intriguing shape and come in a range of hues, making them a necessity for your landscape. In this blog I will tell you about whether these plants need sun or shade.

Does coleus need sun or shade? Some newly discovered varieties of coleus need full sun while the olds plants rely on shade and can only tolerate morning sunlight but after that they should be put in a shade area. So there are few places in most houses where the sun only gives light to a particular spot then it shades and there is no light so that location would be best for our coleus plant. If coleus plants get too much sunlight then it may result in leaf scorch or some leaves might get burns, spots, brown tips. And when there is low light then your plant might become leggy and it won’t grow as other plants may be growing.

There are many other questions about coleus plants and whether they like sun or shade, and where they can grow best or if they can grow better in pots or ground. I will be covering all those questions.

Here’s the coleus plant specification:

Names	Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides)
Family	Lamiaceae
Type	Herbaceous perennial
Sun requirements	Partial shade to full shade (Depends on Types)
Zone	10 to 11
Soil pH	6.0 to 7.0
Water requirements	Every 2-3 days (indoors); Once in morning hot summers(Outdoors)
Soil type	Well-draining soil.
Size	7 inches to 3.5 feet; 2 to 3 feet wide

 

Does coleus need sun or shade?

Some newly discovered varieties of coleus need full sun while the old ones can tolerate morning sunlight but after that they should be put in a shade area. So there are few places in most houses where the sun only gives light to a particular spot then it shades and there is no light so that location would be best for our coleus plant.

If you plant get too much sunlight then it may result in leaf scorch or some leaves might get burns, spots, brown tips. And when there is low light then your plant might become leggy and it won’t grow as other plants may be growing.

One kind of plant that requires sunlight or shade is the coleus. The majority of coleus varieties like morning sun, although some kinds prefer afternoon shade. Knowing the type of coleus you have can help you choose how to take care of it. Coleus requires some water as well, so be sure to water them each day.

Which coleus is best for shade?

Coleus ‘Chocolate Covered Cherry’ and Coleus ‘Watermelon’ are two best varieties for coleus plants for shade. They are grown in shade places and have low maintenance requirements. They are charming and appealing to the garden. Beautiful and simple to grow inside or outdoors, the Coleus ‘Watermelon’ plant blooms from summer to autumn.

This plant is easy to maintain and is enjoyable to all. For novice gardeners who are interested in cultivating plants for the first time, it is a fantastic plant. If you want to add some tropical flair to your garden, the Coleus ‘Watermelon’ plant is a fantastic addition.

Here are some types of coleus that is best for shades:

Coleus ‘Chocolate Mint’

Beautiful Coleus ‘Chocolate Mint’ cultivar is well-known for its eye-catching leaves. It has broad, heart-shaped leaves with mint green borders and a base hue of chocolate brown. In gardens or pots, the clashing hues provide a distinctive and eye-catching show. This coleus cultivar loves well-draining soil and grows well in light to full shade. It is suited for both indoor and outdoor gardening and grows to a height of around 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm).

Coleus ‘Inky Fingers’

Coleus ‘Inky Fingers’ is an alluring cultivar that distinguishes out for its slender, finger-like leaves. The leaf is a rich crimson or purple color with dark green veins that resemble inked fingers. Any garden or arrangement would benefit from the beauty and texture that this coleus brings. It likes partial shade to full shade and grows best in well-drained soil. A popular focal point or accent plant, “Inky Fingers” grows to a height of around 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm).

Coleus ‘Chocolate Covered Cherry’

The aesthetically arresting Coleus ‘Chocolate Covered Cherry’ cultivar has thick, chocolate-brown leaves with vivid cherry-red veins. The plant has more depth and character because to the slightly ruffled texture of the leaves. This coleus needs well-drained soil and grows best in light shade to heavy shade. It is a great addition to mixed pots and works well as a border plant in garden beds. It grows to a height of around 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm).

Coleus ‘Watermelon’

The magnificent foliage that resembles the rind of a watermelon distinguishes the famous species of coleus known as “Watermelon.” The leaves have a striking pattern of green, pink, and cream that makes for an eye-catching show. This coleus loves well-drained soil and grows well in light to heavy shade. It is suitable for growing both inside and outdoors and grows to a height of 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm). ‘Watermelon’ infuses hanging baskets, pots, and landscapes with color.

Coleus ‘Alabama’

The vivid foliage of the Coleus ‘Alabama’ cultivar makes it an attractive variety. It has broad, serrated leaves that are a vibrant chartreuse and burgundy-red combination. The clashing colors provide a dramatic visual result. This coleus cultivar loves well-drained soil and grows well in light to full shade. It is a great option for borders, mass plantings, or mixed pots and grows to a height of around 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm).

Coleus ‘Henna’

The distinctive and alluring Coleus ‘Henna’ cultivar has a medley of earthy hues. The leaves have serrated edges and a strong burned orange or copper tone. As the foliage becomes older, it takes on deeper crimson tones that resemble henna tattoos. This coleus loves well-drained soil and grows well in light to heavy shade. It adds beauty to gardens, borders, or mixed pots and reaches a height of around 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm).

Coleus ‘Dipt in Wine’

Beautiful Coleus ‘Dipt in Wine’ cultivar is well known for its exquisite and delicate leaves. The margins of the leaves have a vivid chartreuse green with a rich crimson or wine-red center. The clashing hues provide an eye-catching spectacle. This coleus cultivar loves well-draining soil and grows well in light to full shade. It is a well-liked option for adding depth and drama to gardens, pots, or hanging baskets and grows to a height of around 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm).

Coleus ‘Limelight’

The beautiful Coleus ‘Limelight’ cultivar has lush, vivid lime green leaves. The texture of the leaves is just a little bit ruffled, which gives the plant’s look more appeal. This coleus loves well-drained soil and grows well in light to heavy shade. It is suitable for growing both inside and outdoors and grows to a height of 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm). A great accent or focal point plant for gardens, borders, or pots is “Limelight.”

Coleus ‘Rustic Orange’

Its warm, earthy foliage makes Coleus ‘Rustic Orange’ an appealing variety. The leaves have a rustic and vivid look thanks to a rich combination of orange, copper, and burgundy tones. This coleus loves well-drained soil and grows well in light to heavy shade. It is a stunning addition to gardens, borders, or mixed pots and grows to a height of around 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm). This is especially true when coupled with other plants whose hues match its own.

Coleus ‘Painted Lady’

A lovely kind of coleus known for its complex and vibrant leaves is called “Painted Lady.” The leaves are an eye-catching blend of green, pink, and cream. This coleus loves well-drained soil and grows well in light to heavy shade. It is a great option for adding visual appeal to gardens, borders, or mixed pots since it grows to a height of around 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm). Additionally attracting butterflies, “Painted Lady” enhances the aesthetic of outdoor areas.

Coleus ‘Chaotic Rose’

With its delicate and elegant leaves, the Coleus ‘Chaotic Rose’ variety is a charming variation. The leaves have a captivating design because to their combination of rose, burgundy, and green tones. This coleus loves well-drained soil and grows well in light to heavy shade. It is often used as a statement plant or to provide depth and texture to gardens, borders, or mixed pots and grows to a height of around 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm).

Coleus ‘Dark Star’

Dark and velvety leaves distinguishes the striking form of Coleus known as “Dark Star.” The dark purple or burgundy tint of the foliage lends an air of mystery and refinement to any scene. This coleus loves well-drained soil and grows well in light to heavy shade. It is a great option for adding contrast and refinement to gardens, borders, or containers and grows to a height of around 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm).

Coleus ‘Fishnet’

The distinctively patterned leaf of the Coleus ‘Fishnet’ variety makes it stand out as a special variation. The leaves have a fishnet-like pattern of green veins on a backdrop of contrasting burgundy. This coleus loves well-drained soil and grows well in light to heavy shade. It is often used as a focal point or to provide texture and visual appeal to gardens, borders, or mixed pots. It grows to a height of around 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm).

Coleus ‘Trusty Rusty’

The bright cultivar of coleus known as “Trusty Rusty” is prized for its rusty-colored leaves. The leaves’ mixture of copper, orange, and burgundy tones makes for an eye-catching display. This coleus loves well-drained soil and grows well in light to heavy shade. It is a great option for adding a splash of color and warmth to gardens, borders, or mixed pots since it grows to a height of around 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm).

 

It is a stunning plant with a range of vibrant hues. These plants are also recognized for their profusion of flowers and ease of growth. The Coleus ‘Watermelon’ variety is a fantastic plant for novices because it requires little sunlight and is simple to grow from seed. You can consume the leaves of this plant to fulfill your daily requirements of nutrients. 

Can coleus tolerate full shade?

There are more than 15 coleus varieties that can tolerate full shade including Coleus ‘Alabama’, Coleus ‘Dark Star’, Coleus ‘Chaotic Rose’, Coleus ‘Dipt in Wine’, Coleus ‘Trusty Rusty’ are some of the examples. The coleus ‘Dark Star’ plant is a wonderful addition to any home. It has dark-green leaves and is a star-shaped plant.

The plant has variously sized and shaped leaves that come in various shapes. You can pick from a range of colors, including green, purple, white, and yellow.

In practically any environment, this plant can be cultivated either indoors or outdoors. It requires little upkeep and is simple to maintain.

Beautiful plants like the Coleus ‘Chaotic Rose’ can give color to your house or place of business. This plant features vivid red flowers that are ideal for filling up any space, and it has a bush-like appearance.

It’s also a fantastic plant to utilize in places like the bathroom where there isn’t much else growing. This plant requires daily watering and placement in a well-lit area to thrive.

Some of the Coleus varieties that tolerate full sun includes :

 

ColorBlaze Royale Pineapple Brandy

Royale ColorBlaze The alluring coleus cultivar Pineapple Brandy adds a touch of the tropics to any landscape. Large, deeply lobed leaves with a spectacular display of burgundy, chartreuse, and pineapple yellow. This vivid foliage lends an air of exotic splendor by evoking a tropical sunset. This coleus may grow up to 18 inches (45 cm) tall and loves well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun. It’s a great option for giving garden beds, borders, or containers a pop of tropical color.

ColorBlaze Royale Cherry Brandy

The charming coleus cultivar ColorBlaze Royale Cherry Brandy has vibrant, alluring hues. Its foliage has lush and dramatic undertones of deep crimson, maroon, and dark cherry red. This coleus adds depth and drama to any planter with its big, textured leaves. It can reach heights of around 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm), and it prefers well-drained soil. It does well in both partial shade and full sun. In gardens, borders, or containers, ColorBlaze Royale Cherry Brandy will stand out whether utilized as a focal point or as a component in a vibrant display.

ColorBlaze Rediculous

Bold and colorful coleus cultivar ColorBlaze Rediculous screams for attention. Its magnificent foliage makes a strong statement in any environment because to its vivid crimson and burgundy hues. The huge, serrated leaves’ ruffled texture and depth of color give the plant’s look depth and appeal. ColorBlaze Rediculous, which reaches a height of around 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm), thrives in both partial shade and full sun, and it requires well-drained soil. This coleus brings drama and intensity to gardens, borders, or containers whether utilized as a focal point or in mixed plantings.

ColorBlaze Strawberry Drop

The charming coleus cultivar ColorBlaze Strawberry Drop adds a whimsical touch to landscapes. Its foliage has pink, red, and green hues that resemble strawberry leaves. The distinctive leaf form gives any scene a whimsical and endearing touch. This coleus grows to a height of around 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm), and it requires well-drained soil and thrives in both partial shade and full light. Whether placed in garden beds, borders, or mixed pots, ColorBlaze Strawberry Drop gives outdoor areas a happy and fun ambiance.

ColorBlaze El Brighto

The dazzling coleus cultivar ColorBlaze El Brighto is bursting with vivid hues. Its foliage has vivid lime green, rich crimson, and purple hues, making for an arresting and captivating contrast. This coleus brightens up any garden or landscape with its vibrant colors. ColorBlaze El Brighto may reach heights of up to 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm), and it enjoys well-drained soil and conditions that range from partial shade to full sun. This coleus will undoubtedly stand out in gardens, borders, or containers whether used alone or in conjunction with other plants.

What happens if Coleus gets too much sun?

When your coleus gets too much sun they look like dried out, scorched, sunburn spots, and can turn brown. This is why they prefer filtered or partial shade gardens. I will not recommend putting them in complete shade because they will then be a weaker plant and their growth can be limited and they seem to get leggy. 

A fantastic plant to have about the house is the coleus. They will maintain their wonderful appearance throughout the summer with some light and water. However, if your coleus receives excessive sun, they will begin to appear a little dried out and scorched. The sun’s damage to the leaves and stems is the cause of this. Simply spritz the leaves with water every other day or so to solve this issue.

Which coleus is good for full sun?

The Coleus variety known as ColorBlaze Golden Dreams is good for full sun because the red color in their leaves comes with more contrast in sunlight while if they are put in shade they may not do well and the color will be somewhat dull. 

Another variety called redhead coleus has red foliage and is good for full sun because the plant is able to handle direct sunlight for a few more hours. That’s why their leaves are completely dark red. They have pointed leaves grown as a bunch of six. 

Here is the list of coleus which are good for full :

Where does coleus grow best?

The Coleus Variety known as Plectranthus scutellarioides grows best in partial shade to shade locations without sunlight. They grow over 10-36 inches tall and also spread about 15-30 inches. Growing this coleus is easy and require minimal care because they need low light and alternative days watering. Plectranthus scutellarioides are light green from edges and are red or pinkish from the inside veins. They are hardy to zone 10-11 and are native to Asia.

Coleus thrives on soil that is well-drained and rich in organic materials, such as compost. Coleus should be planted in the garden below the tree, where it will receive partial to complete shade and air. If you’d like, coleus can also be grown in pots.

What temperature is too hot for coleus?

Most Coleus varieties can tolerate up to 90 degree F that can be too hot for these plants according to the National garden bureau. They can also survive in freezing temperatures of 30-40 degree F and not below that point because that may be too cold for them. In my recommendation, they will not get damaged by the 45-55 degree F from the frost while the leaf damage can be seen in full sun when they are put in over 80-90 degree F. 

A frequent plant used as a houseplant is the coleus. It is renowned for its lovely foliage and for surviving with little maintenance. Despite the fact that coleus can withstand a lot, it’s critical to understand when a temperature is too high.

Do coleus do better in pots or in the ground?

Yes, coleus can grow best in pots or in the garden, when they are placed in a partial shade to shade location. I have seen many people have placed them in sideways pots, patio, balcony or as outdoor container plants under the canopy. They grow well with a bright color when given this half shade and half light because they also thrive light to grow leaves. 

Final thoughts

I hope you enjoyed our blog about does coleus need sun or shade.  The annual coleus flower is stunning with brilliant hues. I hope the information provided in this article helped you decide whether or not coleus is right for your garden. If you want to read more such articles check below.

Monstera Plant Meaning And Symbolism – Know Everything

References

University of Minnesota Extension : Coleus 

N.C. Cooperative Extension : Coleus scutellarioides