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?
