Coleus vs Daylily

Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?

Coleus

Coleus scutellarioides

Lamiaceae · flowers

Low Maintenance

Daylily

Hemerocallis spp.

Asparagaceae · flowers

EdibleLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Coleus (Zones 10-11)

Daylily (Zones 3-10)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 10–10

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Coleus	Daylily
Scientific Name	Coleus scutellarioides	Hemerocallis spp.
Family	Lamiaceae	Asparagaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Adaptable
Height	2'	3'
Spread	1' 6"	2'
Bloom Season	Summer	Summer
Bloom Color	Blue (insignificant)	Yellow, Orange, Red, Pink
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Southeast Asia	East Asia
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Coleus

No — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Daylily

Yes — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Coleus

✓Pinch flowers to encourage leaf growth.
✓Modern varieties are more sun tolerant.
✓Root cuttings easily in water.
✓Pinch growing tips for bushy form.
✓Bring indoors as houseplant.

Daylily

✓Remove spent scapes after blooming.
✓Divide every 3-5 years when clumps become crowded.
✓Virtually pest and disease free.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Coleus if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in part shade with medium water in zones 10–11.

Choose Daylily if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 3–10.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 10–10. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View ColeusProfile →View DaylilyProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Coleus and Daylily grow in the same hardiness zone?

Coleus grows in USDA zones 10-11, while Daylily grows in zones 3-10. Both plants can grow together in zones 10 through 10.

Do Coleus and Daylily have the same sun and water needs?

Coleus needs part shade and medium water, while Daylily needs full sun to part shade and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Coleus or Daylily?

Daylily grows taller at 3' compared to Coleus at 2'. Daylily spreads 2' while Coleus spreads 1' 6".

Are Coleus and Daylily deer resistant?

Neither Coleus nor Daylily is considered deer resistant. In areas with deer, consider protective fencing or deer repellent for both plants.

Which is easier to maintain, Coleus or Daylily?

Both Coleus and Daylily have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Coleus	Daylily
Scientific Name	Coleus scutellarioides	Hemerocallis spp.
Family	Lamiaceae	Asparagaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Adaptable
Height	2'	3'
Spread	1' 6"	2'
Bloom Season	Summer	Summer
Bloom Color	Blue (insignificant)	Yellow, Orange, Red, Pink
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Southeast Asia	East Asia
Maintenance	Low	Low

Care Tips

Coleus

✓Pinch flowers to encourage leaf growth.
✓Modern varieties are more sun tolerant.
✓Root cuttings easily in water.
✓Pinch growing tips for bushy form.
✓Bring indoors as houseplant.

Daylily

✓Remove spent scapes after blooming.
✓Divide every 3-5 years when clumps become crowded.
✓Virtually pest and disease free.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Coleus if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in part shade with medium water in zones 10–11.

Choose Daylily if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 3–10.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 10–10. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Coleus and Daylily grow in the same hardiness zone?

Coleus grows in USDA zones 10-11, while Daylily grows in zones 3-10. Both plants can grow together in zones 10 through 10.

Do Coleus and Daylily have the same sun and water needs?

Coleus needs part shade and medium water, while Daylily needs full sun to part shade and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Coleus or Daylily?

Daylily grows taller at 3' compared to Coleus at 2'. Daylily spreads 2' while Coleus spreads 1' 6".

Are Coleus and Daylily deer resistant?

Neither Coleus nor Daylily is considered deer resistant. In areas with deer, consider protective fencing or deer repellent for both plants.

Which is easier to maintain, Coleus or Daylily?

Both Coleus and Daylily have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.