What to Plant with Coleus in a Planter

Coleus, with its vibrant foliage and compact growth, is a delightful addition to any planter. But what should you plant alongside it to create a harmonious and visually appealing container garden? Let's explore some complementary plants that thrive when planted with coleus.

When choosing plants to pair with coleus, consider factors like light requirements, growth habit, and color scheme. Coleus prefers partial shade to full sun and grows up to 12 inches tall, making it an excellent choice for the foreground or mid-level of a planter. With this in mind, let's dive into some fantastic combinations.

Complementary Foliage Plants

Coleus' colorful leaves make it an excellent companion for plants with attractive foliage. Here are two foliage plants that complement coleus beautifully.

Plectranthus scutellarioides 'Sweet Caroline Sweetheart' Coleus

This coleus variety features heart-shaped leaves in a stunning mix of pink, green, and cream. To create a striking contrast, pair it with...

Heuchera ('Frosted Violet' or 'Palace Purple') - Heuchera, or coral bells, have lobed, deeply veined leaves in shades of purple, silver, and green. Their textural contrast and complementary colors create a captivating display when planted alongside 'Sweet Caroline Sweetheart'.

Plectranthus scutellarioides 'Main Street' Coleus

With its narrow, serrated leaves in shades of green and gold, 'Main Street' coleus adds a touch of tropical elegance to any planter. To highlight its unique foliage, consider planting it with...

Plectranthus australis (Swiss cheese plant) - This trailing plant features large, heart-shaped leaves with distinctive holes, creating an eye-catching contrast with 'Main Street' coleus. Plus, both plants prefer similar growing conditions, making them excellent companions.

Flowering Plants for Color and Height

Coleus' low growth habit makes it an ideal companion for taller, flowering plants. Here are two flowering plants that add height, color, and drama to your planter when paired with coleus.

Angelonia angustifolia (Snapdragon flowers)

Angelonia produces tall spikes of vibrant blue, purple, or white flowers that complement coleus' colorful foliage perfectly. To create a lush, layered look, plant...

Coleus 'Kong Jr. Series' at the base of angelonia plants. These compact coleus varieties grow only 6-8 inches tall, allowing angelonia's height to shine while still providing ample color and texture.

Begonia semperflorens (Wax begonia)

Wax begonias produce an abundance of small, white, pink, or red flowers throughout the growing season. Their mounding growth habit and low height make them excellent companions for coleus. To create a stunning combination, plant...

Coleus 'Kong Jr. Series' or 'Main Street' coleus alongside wax begonias. The contrasting textures and colors of the foliage and flowers create a lively, dynamic display.

In a planter, plant coleus in the foreground or mid-level, allowing taller plants like angelonia or wax begonias to steal the show in the background. Don't forget to consider plants with similar light requirements and water needs for a thriving, low-maintenance container garden. Happy planting!