Sun coleus is a group of ornamental plants that have moved out of the shadows to take their rightful place in the full sun. Not too long ago, Coleus (Plectranthus spp.) could only be grown in shade. Thanks to the work of plant breeders, we now have varieties that thrive in bright sunlight where we can see the brilliantly colored foliage to its best advantage.
Sun coleus is a group of ornamental plants that have moved out of the shadows to take their rightful place in the full sun. Not too long ago, Coleus (Plectranthus spp.) could only be grown in shade. Thanks to the work of plant breeders, we now have varieties that thrive in bright sunlight where we can see the brilliantly colored foliage to its best advantage.
IDENTIFY SUN COLEUS PLANT
Sun coleus is amazing, with solid colors, splashes, blotches, streaks, flecks, margins and veins. Color intensity varies, depending on sunlight, heat sensitivity and other conditions. The varieties with dark leaves tend to tolerate more sun, while lighter varieties need more shade to minimize leaf scorch.
Some recomended plants in this group: Stained Glassworks Coleus varieties, Wizard series, Versa series, and Marquee series. Theses sun-loving varieties are thirstier than their shade garden relatives, and they need a rich, organic soil that manages moisture well.
It is considered an herbaceous perennial in its native range. They are used primarily as annuals by a wide range of the gardening public. This member of the mint family, with the traditional square stems and opposite leaves, comes in a wide range of foliage coloration, leaf texture and plant form. Their wide range can be grouped into three basic plant forms including upright, rounded and prostrate/trailing.
SUN COLEUS PLANT CARE AND CULTURE
Cultural information should only be used as a guide, and should be to be adapted to suit you. Your physical location; where you grow your plants, how much time you have to devote to their care, and many other factors, will need to be taken into account. Only then can you decide on the cultural methods that best suit you and your plants.
Light:
Sun coleus thrive in full sun to part shade. In fact, their best leaf coloration is achieved with morning sun and some degree of afternoon shade. The color change can also be affected by temperature, available sunlight, soil fertility, etc.
Temperature:
Sun coleus enjoy the heat and languish below 55 °F. Cold, overly damp soils can result in leaf drop and may encourage disease problems. However, extreme temperatures over 95 °F are also undesirable. Plant the plants after any danger of frost has passed when soil temperatures have warmed sufficiently and evening temperatures are above 60 °F.
They may become stressed by lack of heat and are certainly affected by available moisture. Excessive or inadequate moisture availability, while affecting vigor and appearance, may also lead to other challenges with insects or diseases.
Substrate and growing media:
Sun coleus are quite tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions and will do well in even average conditions. They are quite pH tolerant except for the extremes of a significantly low (or high) pH.
They grows well in containers if they are given an adequate volume of well-draining soil mix, reasonable nutrients and the proper sun exposure to thrive. Avoid windy locations as the plants can be prone to breakage in extreme winds. Container size is a factor as the volume of soil should accommodate substantial rooting by these plants and any other plants that are involved in the design. Drainage is vital so consider adding additional drainage holes as needed. The container style, color and ultimate placement should also be considered in advance. The plants filled containers, if moveable, allow for instant color as they can be positioned as needed and used to add color, provide immediate interest and accent areas of the garden, deck or patio.
They certainly has the potential to be included in hanging basket arrangements. Some of the trailing selections are ideal candidates for the edge of an elevated container while larger varieties can be utilized for a strong foliage contribution in the center of the basket. Consider watering needs as these plants are naturally thirsty and a hanging basket can be one of the most challenging situations in terms of moisture retention and associated watering needs. Wind protection is also warranted.
Watering:
Winter and summer watering is moderate. In summer, water more, but the soil should dry a little before the next watering, and the leaves slightly tied. In winter, it should be watered occasionally and gradually; excessive watering can lead to the occurrence of fungal diseases. However, complete drying of the soil is not allowed, because this can cause the leaves to fall off. Pour preferably with soft water.
Fertilizer:
Light fertilization is recommended, particularly in containers. Slow release fertilizers with a balanced mix of nutrients are recommended for your containers although half strength liquid fertilizer applied every 2 weeks over the growing season should be sufficient. These plants do not show their best coloration if over fertilized so be conservative and consistent.
Overwinter:
Bringing the plants inside for overwintering as houseplants is one option although temperatures near 70 °F continue to be ideal. Rotate plants and pinch back as needed to maintain form. Consider grow lights as an option to provide adequate winter lighting conditions.
Pruning:
To maintain plant form, pinch back most varieties every few weeks to prevent flower formation. This directs the plant to put energy into additional branching and foliage creation instead of flowering, thereby creating a fuller plant. When pinching off flowers, do so throughout the entire summer to create a full, lush plant. Pinch just above a set of leaves or branching junction for the best appearance.
Pests and diseases:
Slugs, snails, spider mites, mealybugs, whiteflies and occasionally aphids may be challenges under certain conditions. Positive identification of these pests is the first step in proper selection of a treatment program.
While there are few fungi, bacteria and viruses that affect the plants, there may be occasional issues of stem rot, root rot or downy mildew which all have a direct relationship to moisture inputs and associated growing conditions. Relocating the plant, pinching healthy cuttings for re-establishment or removing the plant might be options to consider after appropriate research and consultation.
Propagation:
Sun coleus can be grown from seeds. The plants should not be planted out in the garden until all danger of frost is past, timing of seed sowing should be 8-12 weeks before the last frost date. Sowing seeds in at least three inches of growing medium (maintain at 70 °F) is recommended and seeds should be sown on the surface as they require light to germinate. Well-timed, even watering, misting (for humidity) and frequent observation are also encouraged.
They can also be propagated by stem cuttings. Snipping a small, 2” length of the plans and putting it in a rooting medium or even in water will start the process of new roots being developed. Selecting healthy cuttings with at least one or two leaf nodes is vital and you should also remove the growing tip when first placing the sample in water or your rooting medium. Rooting hormone can be used but is not necessary and your new cuttings do not require fertilizer during establishment prior to planting in a container or out in the garden. Any cuttings grown in water can be transitioned to a rooting medium if desired. Keep new cuttings moist and maintain high humidity with misting. Bright, indirect light is recommended during the initial establishment of fresh cuttings. Keep cuttings warm and observe them frequently.
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