Coleus is a colorful foliage plant. Mostly coleus is perennial that is grown sideways, borders and containers. There are around 294 species of coleus available.
In this post, I listed some coleus varieties that are fit for full sun condition. These are some most beautiful coleus that thrives in full sun. plant these varieties in the full sun garden to make it look elegant.
Is coleus sun or shade plant?
Most people ask whether coleus plants are sun or shade type. Actually, coleus plants are not either sun plants or shade plants, they thrive in moderate conditions.
The ideal location to plant them is where they receive morning sun and afternoon shade. Morning sunlight wakes plants and fresh them which helps them to shine bright.
In mid-afternoon, especially in the hot summer, the sun is relatively hot and may burn foliage or fade color leaves. Shade protects the plant from the harsh sun. However, some varieties grow fearlessly in the full sun.
This simple words, In the hot and dry climate, all types of coleus need some shade. In the cool climate, coleus plants need more exposure to the sun for healthy growth.
Coleus plants Sunlight requirement
Most coleus requires at least 6 hours of sunlight in a day, this depends upon climate conditions. Some varieties can grow all long in full sun.
Before planting any coleus plant in the garden or yard check the requirement table or ask in the nursery. You do not want to plant in this plant where they do not thrive much or die.
Experienced gardeners say ”coleus plant with dark color foliage can tolerate more sunlight”. This means if you have a sunny area, plant dark shade coleus or in shade plant light color foliage.
Coleus plants are easy to grow and care for, once they get established they do not need much maintenance.
Below is some dark color coleus that can survive in full sun condition.
List of coleus varieties for full sun
- Wasabi coleus
This is a low-maintenance coleus variety that has light green foliage that can tolerate moderate sunlight and is not too harsh. The plant foliage grows in an upright direction with a medium texture. Its light color makes them unique as most plants have dark-colored leaves. Plant companion with hostas for a good combination of foliage plants.
Related Post: Best Foliage Plants To Grow Indoors & Outdoors
- ColorBlaze coleus
This breed does not color in intense heat and blooms very late in the summer. However, it is popular for its foliage, and blooms are mostly sniffed to encourage foliage growth. It is found in many colors and textures.
- Solenostemon Redhead
Solenostemon Redhead coleus has red tender leaves. It is an evergreen tropical evergreen with soft leaves. This plant can tolerate more sunlight, planted in borders, containers, or pots.
- Solenostemon ‘Coleosaurus’
![[2018-10-24] Coleosaurus](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49533197398_5594eee712_w.jpg)
This coleus variety has bright, vibrant dark red and lime green foliage. It is easy growing, low-maintenance, and heat tolerant and is considered a tropical evergreen tender perennial.
- Henna
Like most of the coleus Henna grows about 24 to 30 inches tall and 18 to 20 inches wide. This variety has burgundy-colored borders with gold or burgundy-purple underneath. The plant branches nicely which makes it visually appealing.
- Red Carpet coleus
It has pointed leaves with a light green border and red color underneath. The plant is great for mixed borders, gardens, and containers.
- Box Office Bronze coleus
It is herbaceous annual with an upright habit of growth, with a medium texture. This variety is found in colors like red and orange depending upon the amount of sunlight it receives.
- Blonde Bombshell
It has low-maintenance, fine texture color coleus that grows well in sun and shade. Best for containers and mixed borders.
List of coleus varieties for shade
You can plant coleus varieties that grow in partial shade for areas that receive shade or low sunlight. Below are some types of coleus that can be planted in shady areas.
- Honey Crisp
- Cranberry Bog
- Stained Glassworks Molten Lava
- Stained Glassworks Eruption
Varieties like inferno coleus and campfire are suitable for both sun and shade conditions. You can plant them in areas with partial sunlight. just like coleus, there are other bright and colorful foliage plants like heuchera and hostas. Grow heuchera or Hosta with coleus they all are colored foliage plant and great companions.
Can Coleus Plants Grow Indoors?
You can grow coleus plants indoors if they get adequate sunlight. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight, otherwise, the foliage gets fussy. If you are planting indoors, place the pot where it receives good sunlight like near the window or door of your house. In the evening place the plant in low-intensity light so that leaves do not get burned.
Why is my coleus losing color?
Coleus foliage starts fading when they get exposed to excessive sunlight. Yaa, I know some varieties can tolerate full sun but to some extent. Anything excessive will become harmful whether it is water, fertilizer, or sunlight.
You have to plant coleus in the place where they receive at least 6 hours of sunlight. If the coleus variety has dark foliage it can take more sunlight. But in the hot summer conditions, any variety will need shade. Otherwise, leaves start fading or get burned and become yellow-brown.
This condition is also for shade varieties, to be bright and colorful they require light whether direct or indirect for some hours. Do not expect your coleus to do well if you plant in dark or very bright areas.
Can coleus survive the winter?
Most of the coleus varieties are perennial and can tolerate winter. But, in the specific zone, Coleus won’t survive in extremely cold or showy areas. Coleus is a sun-loving plant and needs adequate sunlight to look appealing. If you live in the frost zones, you can grow coleus as an annual plant.
Or it’s better to plant in a pot or container so that when winter comes you would be able to bring coleus inside the house to protect. If you give them the proper care they will not die. Place the pot outdoors once winter gets over.
Did I Miss Anything?
Now I’d like to hear from you: which coleus varieties from today’s post are you going to try first? Or maybe, I didn’t mention your favorite variety. Either way, let me know by leaving a comment below right now.
Before going if you want to grow beautiful flowers in your garden? Then click on these articles also.
Hey! I’m Madhuresh, a passionate content creator, and a Plant lover. I created Shiny Plant to explore and learn about new plants. The purpose is to provide simple and effective Gardening Tips. Hope you’ll find this informative.