what plants go with coleus

Coleus Companion Plants: Best Plants to Grow Together

By Christopher YoungDecember 15, 2025

Coleus, also known as Plectranthus scutellarioides, is a vibrant and versatile plant that adds a pop of color to any garden or indoor space. With its striking foliage in various shades of green, purple, and red, coleus is a popular choice among plant enthusiasts. When it comes to pairing coleus with other plants, the possibilities are endless. Let's explore some plant combinations that complement coleus beautifully.

When selecting plants to pair with coleus, consider factors such as color, texture, and growth habit. Coleus' bold foliage can serve as a focal point, so choose companion plants that either complement or contrast with its vibrant colors and unique shapes.

Coleus and Annual Flowers

Coleus pairs exceptionally well with annual flowers, creating a stunning display of color and texture. The key is to choose flowers that either match or contrast with coleus' foliage colors.

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For example, planting coleus with purple flowers like petunias or verbena creates a harmonious color scheme. On the other hand, pairing coleus with yellow or orange flowers, such as marigolds or calibrachoa, provides a striking contrast that draws the eye.

Petunias and Coleus

Petunias are a classic choice for pairing with coleus. Their trumpet-shaped flowers come in a wide range of colors, making it easy to find a shade that complements or contrasts with coleus' foliage. Plant petunias in front of taller coleus varieties to create a lush, layered look.

a potted plant with purple and green flowers

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For a stunning color combination, try planting coleus with 'Supertunia Vista Bubblegum' petunias. The bubblegum pink flowers of the petunias contrast beautifully with coleus' purple and green foliage, creating a vibrant and eye-catching display.

Verbena and Coleus

Verbena is another excellent annual flower to pair with coleus. Its small, clustered flowers grow on long stems, making it an ideal plant for filling in spaces between taller coleus varieties. Verbena comes in a range of colors, including purple, pink, and white, allowing you to create various color schemes with coleus.

To create a cohesive look, plant coleus with 'Homestead Purple' verbena. The deep purple flowers of the verbena complement the purple and green foliage of coleus, creating a rich and inviting display.

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Coleus and Other Foliage Plants

Coleus' striking foliage also pairs well with other plants known for their attractive leaves. These combinations create a beautiful mix of textures and colors that can be both calming and visually appealing.

When pairing coleus with other foliage plants, consider their growth habits and sizes. Taller coleus varieties can serve as a backdrop for shorter plants, while smaller coleus varieties can be used as accent plants in larger arrangements.

Bacopa and Coleus

Bacopa, also known as water hyssop, is a trailing plant with small, white or blue flowers. Its delicate growth habit makes it an excellent choice for planting in front of taller coleus varieties. The combination of bacopa's small flowers and coleus' bold foliage creates a beautiful contrast in both color and texture.

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For a striking color combination, plant coleus with 'Blue Angel' bacopa. The deep blue flowers of the bacopa contrast beautifully with coleus' purple and green foliage, creating a captivating display that catches the eye.

Plectranthus and Coleus

Plectranthus, also known as Swedish ivy, is a trailing plant with small, heart-shaped leaves. Its delicate growth habit makes it an ideal choice for planting in hanging baskets or as a ground cover. When paired with coleus, plectranthus' small leaves provide a nice contrast to coleus' larger, more dramatic foliage.

To create a cohesive look, plant coleus with 'Hilo Green' plectranthus. The deep green leaves of the plectranthus complement the green and purple foliage of coleus, creating a lush and inviting display.

Incorporating coleus into your garden or indoor space is a fantastic way to add color and texture. By pairing coleus with other plants that complement or contrast with its vibrant foliage, you can create stunning displays that showcase the best of both worlds. So go ahead, experiment with different combinations, and let your creativity shine!