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13 Best Coleus For Shade We've Tested 2024

Brandon Forder
  May 5, 2024 12:02 AM

To find success with a best coleus for shade, it's important to settle on one that can adapt to a wide range of uses. Some best coleus for shade are created solely for one function, while others are made to serve multiple masterfully. The most effective best coleus for shade are those that can be deployed in a variety of contexts with equal success.
To help you make the best decision, we evaluated and contrasted a wide range of available options. Furthermore, we made it a point to ensure that the interfaces of all best coleus for shade were intuitive. We investigate and highlight the essential benefits, limitations, and distinctive aspects of the best product so that you can make an informed purchase decision.

We have produced this list of the best best coleus for shade after carefully considering every product currently on the market. Check out our buying advice if you're still undecided about whether or not a best coleus for shade is the perfect choice for you.


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Last update on 2024-05-05 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API


Buying Guide

Traditionally, coleus is thought of as a shade garden plant. But a newer generation of coleus varieties are designed to thrive in sunny conditions. They can be beautiful additions to your garden and they are easy to grow. But you need to choose the right coleus for your needs.

For example, you may want to plant a trailing coleus if you want a low-maintenance groundcover. Trailing coleus varieties are available in a variety of sizes and leaf shapes. They are also perfect for containers. You can pair these varieties with any color to create a beautiful spiller. For example, try combining 'Limelight' with purple petunias, purple geraniums, and purple ipomeas. 'Limelight' features neon lime-green leaves that pair with every color in the garden.

If you're interested in growing coleus in a container, consider the trailing queen. This low-growing variety forms a graceful mound with small heart-shaped scalloped leaves. It makes a wonderful spiller and its color stays on all season. It's also a great groundcover for landscape beds.

Another option for your shade garden is the 'Henna' coleus. This beautiful foliage is burgundy and gold, and it's ideal for fall combinations. It's also great with fountain grass. If you want a coleus with yellow foliage, try the Apple Brandy. It's green and narrow, but its foliage is also yellow.

There are many coleus varieties that can tolerate full sun, but they may become dull and colorless in low light conditions. If you want to plant coleus in full sun, you'll want to give it plenty of water. Also, make sure the soil has good drainage. Leaving standing water in the soil can lead to fungal root rot. You may also have problems with aphids. You can control aphids by applying neem insecticide.

If you're looking for a more robust coleus, try 'Magma.' This plant is a favorite of the Dallas Arboretum, which has given it the 'Flameproof' award. It's a robust variety that will grow to 24-40 inches tall. It's a great plant to use in landscape beds and as a spiller in combination containers. It features large, velvety leaves and rich mahogany brow shades.

Other great coleus varieties that do well in shade are the Solenostemon 'Kong Rose' and 'Kong Red'. These plants feature a wide, maroon central vein that runs across the leaves. They also have large, patterned leaves. You can plant a trailing queen in a container, or use a trailing coleus in a landscape bed to extend the performance of your garden into fall. You can also try a variegated coleus to complement your existing plantings.

A coleus with dark foliage will tolerate more sunlight. Dark foliage also adds a depth to your garden. Dark foliage is also great for containers. You can combine these coleus varieties with bright flowers that are blooming during the day. These coleus plants will give your garden a burst of color. You can even add a splash of color to dark corners of your garden by planting a solitary coleus.


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