What to Plant with Coleus in a Container

Introduction

Coleus is a popular foliage plant due to the bright colors and variegated patterns of its leaves. It is often used in landscaping and container gardening, but many gardeners find themselves wondering what to plant with coleus to make the most of its unique qualities. In this article, we will explore some of the best plants to pair with coleus in a container.

Annual Flowers

If you are looking to add some colorful blooms to your container, annual flowers are a great option. Some good choices to pair with coleus include marigolds, petunias, and impatiens. Marigolds come in a variety of colors and can add a bold pop of color to your container. Petunias also come in a variety of colors and can be quite fragrant. Impatiens are a great choice for a shadier container, as they prefer partial shade and won't compete with the coleus for sunlight.

Herbs

Herbs are a great choice to plant with coleus, as they often have attractive foliage and can be harvested for cooking. Some good choices include basil, oregano, and thyme. Basil has large, fragrant leaves that come in a variety of colors, including green, purple, and variegated. Oregano has small, grayish-green leaves that can add a nice contrast to the bold colors of the coleus. Thyme has small, delicate leaves that are also great for cooking.

Ferns

Ferns are another great choice to plant with coleus, as they thrive in shady conditions and have an elegant, delicate appearance. Some good choices include maidenhair ferns, Boston ferns, and bird's nest ferns. Maidenhair ferns have delicate, frilly fronds that can add a nice pop of texture to a container. Boston ferns have larger leaves and can add a tropical feel to a container. Bird's nest ferns have a rosette shape and are great for adding height to a container.

Succulents

If you want to add some texture to your container, succulents are a great choice. They come in a variety of shapes and colors and are low-maintenance plants that require very little water. Some good choices to pair with coleus include hens-and-chicks, sedums, and echeverias. Hens-and-chicks are small, rosette-shaped succulents that come in a variety of colors. Sedums have a trailing, cascading habit and can add some interesting texture to a container. Echeverias have a rosette shape and can add a bold pop of color to a container.

Conclusion

Planting with coleus in a container can be a fun and rewarding experience, and there are many plants that can be paired with it to make a unique and attractive display. Whether you want to add some colorful blooms, fragrant herbs, elegant ferns, or interesting succulents, there are plenty of options to choose from. So go ahead and experiment with different combinations, and see what works best for your space and your personal style.