Coleus – sun or shade? It depends on the variety

Most coleus prefer partial shade, but there are varieties bred for sunny spots. Choose the right variety for the right spot and you get intense colors all summer instead of scorched leaf edges.

Where do coleus thrive best?

The basic rule for coleus is a bright spot, sheltered from strong midday sun. Morning and evening sun is perfect. In a baking south-facing spot the colors fade and the leaf edges can scorch. Too little light is no good either. The colors lose their glow and the plant gets leggy. The rule of thumb for ordinary varieties is that partial shade gives the most intense colors.

The varieties that take sun

One series in particular is bred for sunny spots:

The Premium Sun series – the name says it all. Heat-tolerant, tall and bushy coleus that are bred for sunny spots and take full sun clearly better than other coleus. Even these appreciate a little protection during a really dry heat wave. They come in about a dozen colors from Dark Chocolate to Watermelon.

But heat-tolerant is not the same as sun-tolerant. Giant Exhibition handles warm spots very well but prefers partial shade to shade. The giant leaves scorch easily in direct sun.

How to get your plant used to sun

Even sun-tolerant varieties need hardening off. That means getting the plant used to the sun gradually. A plant that has been indoors or in shade scorches easily if it is put straight into full sun. Give it a week, with a little more sun each day, starting with the morning sun. That gives the leaves time to build up their sun protection. Once the plant has adjusted, it takes far more sun outdoors than in a south-facing window where heat builds up behind the glass. Most scorching happens either after a sudden move or in a hot window indoors.

Signs of too much sun

A plant that has had too much sun shows it clearly. The colors fade and look washed out. The leaf edges turn brown and dry out. Sometimes "translucent" patches appear in the middle of the leaves. Move the plant to partial shade and new leaves will come in full color. You'll find more about placement and watering in Coleus care.

Frequently asked questions

Should coleus be in the sun?

No, ordinary varieties do best in partial shade. Sun-tolerant series like Premium Sun take sun well after a week of hardening off.

Can coleus go in a south-facing spot?

Yes, if you choose a sun-tolerant series. Otherwise the leaf edges scorch in the summer sun.

Where do coleus thrive best?

Coleus thrive best in a bright, warm spot without strong midday sun. In summer they are happy outdoors in a sheltered spot. The rest of the year a bright window suits them.

Got a sunny balcony?

The Premium Sun varieties are made for it. The right variety in the right spot gives intense colors all summer.

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