Coleus Sun Tolerance: Why Partial Shade Preserves Color

Coleus hates full hot sun. Intense light bleaches the vibrant foliage that makes coleus valuable. They also dislike excessive heat.

Best Practices

• Plant in partial shade
• Mulch with shredded leaves or bark
• Mulch cools soil and retains moisture
• Some newer "sun coleus" tolerate more light but still prefer afternoon shade

Why Color Fades

Anthocyanin pigments (reds, purples) degrade under UV intensity. Chlorophyll dominates in high light, washing out patterns. Shade preserves the genetic color expression breeders selected.