Do coleus plants grow back every year?
Coleus is a perennial, a tropical shrub, that is not hardy except in warm, frost-free zones. Cannas are reliably hardy in the ground outside from around Zone 7 and upward (warmer.) Here in the Chicagoland area, zone 5, Coleus is grown as an annual.
Where is the best place to plant a coleus?
Coleus can be added to beds and borders for interest or grown in containers. They need fertile, well-draining soil and usually perform best in areas with partial shade, though many varieties can also tolerate sun. When growing coleus, keep in mind that these beauties can grow rapidly.
Does a coleus plant need sun or shade?
Coleus thrive in cool, evenly moist, well-drained soil. Consistent moisture is good, but soggy conditions cause root disease. Watering should complement available sun. Some modern coleus varieties handle full sun, but most still flourish with at least dappled shade and direct sun limited to morning hours.
Are coleus good houseplants?
Coleus can make great houseplants, and in the spring (if you choose), you can put them back out in the yard. The only other alternative would have been to cut them back all the way to the ground and leave them to re-emerge in the spring.
What do you do with coleus in the winter?
Coleus should be kept rather dry over the winter to avoid rotting their roots. Remember, these are tropical plants that prefer sun and heat. They don’t take kindly to cold, wet soil, so water only when the pot seems fairly light and the soil surface is completely dry. (You’ll get the hang of it with a little practice.)
Is coleus perennial or annual?
Solid-color, sun-tolerant coleus is an easy-to-grow annual foliage plant that provides bold color to container gardens or landscape beds where it will intertwine with flowering annuals and perennials to brighten shady nooks. It is available in a broad range of colors, which are usually most intense in bright light.
Is coleus indoor or outdoor plant?
Although coleus is typically grown outdoors as an annual, its vibrant leaves provide many months of enjoyment indoors if growing conditions are just right. In fact, coleus plants respond well to potted environments. Read on to learn more about growing coleus as an indoor plant.
Do coleus plants spread?
Do not crowd coleus close together. They spread out to about 16 inches across, so keep the leaves from shading each other by planting at least 12 inches away from each other in the garden. Some coleus prefer bright sun, but most do best and achieve the most vivid color in partial shade.
Is coleus a perennial or annual?
Are coleus plants poisonous?
The leaves of the coleus plant are poisonous to humans, advises North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension. The toxic principal is diterpene coleonol, coleon O, and the plant is considered to have a low poison toxicity. Pets that ingest coleus may experience vomiting and diarrhea that may be bloody.
Can I leave coleus outside in winter?
A coleus plant is hardy, able to survive in both a container indoors and in the soil outside. However, being a warm weather loving plant, it will not survive a harsh, cold winter.
Are coleus perennials or annuals?
Although technically an evergreen perennial, coleus are usually grown as annuals because these tender tropical plants can’t handle even the slightest frost.