Yes, coleus will come back year after year if the climate is right. This colorful, easy to grow annual through tender perennial is native to tropical Asia. It thrives in warm, humid temperatures and prefers full to partial sun.
If the climate is warm enough, it can be allowed to survive outdoors from spring to fall, with winter protective measures taken when necessary. It can also be planted in containers and allowed to live indoors year-round, as long as it’s provided with ample light, warmth and moisture.
If you live in a climate where coleus is not hardy, allow it to die back to the ground during cold months and then it can be grown again in the spring.
How long do coleus plants live for?
Coleus plants are annuals, meaning that most coleus plants will survive for only one growing season. Depending on the climate and temperature, a coleus plant can last anywhere from six months to three years.
Gardeners who want to overwinter their coleus plants can do so by bringing them indoors and into a sunny area, similar to how you would care for a potted house plant. When given the right conditions, including good soil, water, light, and fertilizer, a coleus plant can last for three or more years.
Can you save coleus over the winter?
Yes, it is possible to save coleus over the winter if you live in an area with mild winters. The process is quite simple and involves cutting back the foliage, storing the plant in a cool, dry place, and watering it sparingly until the spring.
Before cutting back your coleus, check its hardiness zone to determine when you should begin the process. Then, simply cut all of the foliage down to the soil line. If you prefer, you can also save some of the cuttings and place them in a container of potting mix.
To store your coleus, place it in a cool and dry area such as an unheated garage or basement. Remember to water it only sparingly over the winter, as too much water can result in root rot. When spring arrives, move your coleus outdoors, water it, and apply fertilizer to help it get started growing again.
Do you cut back coleus in the fall?
No, cutting back coleus in the fall is not necessary. If the coleus gets too large or you want to keep it looking tidy and neat, it may be wise to prune it a bit during the fall. Pruning or trimming will help keep the plant full and encourage new growth.
If your coleus starts to look a bit leggy, lightly pinch off the growing tips of the stems to encourage a compact, denser shape. Additionally, you may want to remove any unhealthy or damaged leaves. While there is no requirement to cut back coleus in the fall, it is important to protect the plant from frost by keeping it indoors or covering it with a blanket or frost cover in colder climates.
Will coleus regrow if cut back?
Yes, coleus will regrow if cut back. Coleus is a drought-tolerant annual or perennial that is easy to grow and requires very little maintenance. The plant will regrow after cutting it back, as long as it has plenty of sunlight, water, and food.
To encourage the plant to regrow, cut the stems back to two to four inches above the soil line. The plant should then establish new roots and sprout fresh growth. When pruning an established coleus, do not remove more than one-third of the top growth.
Doing so may shock the plant and cause it to stop growing. Additionally, keep an eye out for disease as pruning can create an open wound for pests or fungal organisms to enter. Taking proper care during the pruning process and monitoring the plant periodically afterward should ensure successful regrowth.
How far can you cut back coleus?
Coleus can be cut back quite heavily, and can produce new growth from even the base of the plant. It is best to cut the plant back to the level desired, and then prune away any dead or diseased foliage from the remaining stems.
Prune back unhealthy leaves, stems and branches until they are just above the soil level. This will encourage new, healthy growth every season. When cutting back coleus, aim to keep the overall shape of the plant and create a basic framework of branching points.
Be sure to leave some foliage on the top and sides to keep it looking full. Pruning coleus will also help to promote bushy and thicker growth. If a coleus is growing too tall or gangly, feel free to pinch it back to a manageable height.
Finally, feel free to snip off any flowers that may start to appear on the plant as this will discourage seed production and help the plant to focus its energy on growing new shoots rather than setting seeds.
Where do you cut coleus?
Coleus should be cut with clean, sharp pruners or shears, as this produces a cleaner cut that results in minimal damage to the plant. Generally, coleus should be pruned back one-third to one-half of its height once the plant becomes lanky or too tall.
It is also important to remove flowering stems throughout the season, as this will promote more foliage growth. Finally, the leaves can be pinched back in order to create a more densely branched, fuller plant.
When pruning, it is important to make sure that all of the cuts are made at a 45-degree angle just above a node.
Should coleus blooms be removed?
When it comes to coleus blooms, the answer is not clear cut and will depend on the type of coleus you have. For the majority of types, the blooms can be removed if you would like to. This is because the blooms use a lot of energy that could otherwise be used to support healthy foliage growth.
Removing the blooms will also encourage a denser, bushier plant. However, some types of coleus produce incredibly long lasting flowers that can add a beautiful decorative element to the garden if you choose to leave them.
If you decide to leave the flowers, it is important to limit your watering and fertilizing as this will cause the plant to expend more energy into blooming rather than growing foliage. Ultimately, the decision should be based on the type of coleus you have and the desired effect you want to achieve.
Which coleus is for shade?
The best coleus for shade is a variety called ‘Wizard Velvet Red’. This variety of coleus has deep red, almost burgundy colored leaves and can thrive in partly shady areas. It is a low maintenance plant that requires minimal care and is an excellent choice for brightening up shaded areas in a garden.
When growing in partial to full shade, the leaves assume a darker, more pronounced red hue. Additionally, this same variety of coleus will do well when planted in containers, which can be moved around for various light conditions.
When planted in containers, Wizard Velvet Red coleus will perform best in slightly shadier locations.
Can coleus be full sun?
Coleus can be grown in full sun, however it is not recommended. These plants perform best in partial shade, as they are more comfortable with indirect sunlight. If you choose to plant your coleus in an area that receives direct sun, its foliage can become faded and sunburnt.
It is best to find a spot where the coleus can receive dappled or filtered sunlight throughout the day. This will allow your coleus to thrive and create beautiful foliage that will last throughout the season.
Additionally, during periods of intense heat it is important to ensure that your coleus are receiving enough water and shade to protect them from the heat of the day.
Where does coleus grow best?
Coleus is a tropical plant, so it does best in humid, hot climates and prefers plenty of sunshine for at least part of the day. It is best suited to growing in full sun or partial shade and should be kept away from strong winds.
It likes well-draining, fertile soil with a neutral pH balance and adequate watering. If you live in a hot, humid area with plenty of sunshine, coleus can do very well planted directly in the ground in a rich, well-draining soil.
If you live in a colder climate, it is best to grow your coleus in a pot and make sure to bring it inside if temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, coleus prefers rich, moist soil.
Fertilizing every four weeks or so with a balanced fertilizer helps to promote lush growth and healthy foliage.
How do you keep a coleus bushy?
Coleus can be kept bushy by regularly trimming it. Pruning or pinching the tips of stems when the plant is young will encourage a full, bushy shape as the growth season progresses. After the coleus is established, keep it looking healthy and full by pinching it back to maintain its shape.
This should be done every few weeks during the spring and summer seasons. Additionally, fertilizing, especially in spring and summer, will promote strong stem and leaf growth and help keep your coleus bushy.
To keep your coleus looking even bushier, pinch it and fertilize it with a slow-release fertilizer every month or so. Additionally, be sure to provide your coleus with indirect sunlight and plenty of water.
Water frequently to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Do coleus plants spread?
Yes, coleus plants spread quickly. They are generally grown as annuals, and will become perennial in zones 10 to 12, where they produce small plantlets or runners that can be separated into individual plants and transplanted or potted up alone.
Coleus plants will also spread via their seeds and the soil. If you want to prevent coleus from spreading, you can use soil sterilizers, herbicides, or other methods. It is also recommended that you pinch back the stems and cut off any flower stalks from the plants to prevent self-seeding, as well as water them moderately and fertilize them lightly.
Can coleus grow in pots?
Yes, you can certainly grow coleus in pots! Coleus grows best in partial or full shade, as it can become scorched in direct sun. When planting in a pot, chose one that is 12-14 inches in diameter and fill it with a well-draining potting mix.
Make sure to water the pot regularly and fertilize it with a liquid fertilizer every few weeks during the summer for best results. If your coleus grows too tall, you can also pinch off the top to promote bushy growth.
Keep in mind that coleus is a tropical plant, so it will go dormant during colder months. Make sure to bring it indoors before the temperature drops.
Will coleus survive winter?
No, Coleus is not a winter-hardy plant. It is a tropical perennial, typically grown as an annual in the cool climates of USDA zones 8b and lower. It is sensitive to frost, so it will usually die when exposed to freezing temperatures.
For this reason, it is important to bring coleus indoors or in a greenhouse before winter arrives. If the nighttime temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C) for more than a few nights in a row, you should consider bringing it indoors.
If your coleus is in a potted container, you can move it to a bright, cool spot indoors such as a sunroom, near a window, or in a greenhouse. Once indoors, reduce watering and fertilizing to encourage dormancy.
When the temperature warms up, the coleus can be put back outside.
Can coleus live year round?
Generally speaking, coleus (which is also known as Turkish carnation or flame nettle) is not meant for year-round growing. It’s a plant that does best in warm, but not hot, climates and typically grows as an annual in much of the United States.
Coleus prefers consistent humidity, moderate temperatures—ideally in the range of 70–80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 60–65 degrees at night—and moist, but well-drained, soil. Unless you live in an area where temperatures stay mild year-round, it would be hard to provide the right environment for coleus to survive over winter.
However, the plant can be grown indoors if kept in a warm spot with adequate light, generally a window facing south or west. It may die off during the winter but can be encouraged to live through the colder months with the proper care and attention.
Can I keep a coleus plant indoors?
Yes, you can keep a coleus plant indoors. Coleus plants enjoy humidity and indirect sunlight and make an excellent indoor houseplant. When keeping them inside, make sure they are in a well lit spot, such as near a window, but away from any direct sunlight that could damage the leaves.
For the best results, water your coleus when the top 2-3 inches of soil become dry. You can also increase humidity around the plant by grouping it with other plants, misting the leaves occasionally, or setting the pot on a tray of gravel and water.
Keep an eye on the coleus plant and if any pests appear, treat them as soon as possible with an appropriate insecticide or pesticide. With the right environment and care, a coleus plant can thrive indoors for many years.
Why is my coleus plant dying?
There could be a number of reasons why your coleus plant is dying. First, it’s important to check the soil to make sure it’s not too dry or soggy. If the soil is too dry, this will cause the leaves to become brown and crispy and eventually die.
Additionally, overwatering or too much water can lead to root rot which can cause wilting and yellowing of the leaves and death of the plant.
The location of your coleus plant is also important. Too much direct sunlight will cause the leaves to burn and turn yellow. On the other hand, too little light can also result in pale yellow or white leaves, as these plants need some sunlight to remain healthy.
Consider the lighting of the area and make sure it’s in an area with bright, indirect light.
Another cause of your coleus plant dying could be pests or diseases. Inspect the plant carefully for signs of pests like aphids or spider mites, or anything else that may be infesting it. Additionally, diseases such as powdery mildew or root rot can also lead to dying leaves and a dying plant.
Treating the problem as soon as possible is the best way to save your coleus plant.
Finally, if you’re using a fertilizer, make sure it is the correct type and strength for your particular plant. Over-fertilizing can lead to too much nitrogen and cause the plant’s leaves to burn.
Overall, it’s important to identify the cause of why your coleus plant is dying by closely inspecting the plant, its soil, and its overall environment. Once you’ve determined the cause, you can choose the best course of action to save your plant.