What to Plant with Coleus: Best Companion Plants

Coleus, with its vibrant foliage and compact size, is a versatile plant that can add a pop of color to any garden or container. But what should you plant alongside coleus to create a harmonious and visually appealing display? Let's explore some excellent companions for your coleus plants.

When selecting plants to pair with coleus, consider factors like height, color, texture, and growth habits. By combining plants with complementary features, you can create a stunning and balanced garden arrangement.

Tall and Showy Companions

Coleus plants typically grow to be about 12-36 inches tall, making them perfect for adding color and texture to the mid-level of your garden. To create visual interest, pair your coleus with taller plants that will provide a striking backdrop.

Consider planting coleus with tall, showy flowers like black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta), coneflowers (Echinacea), or butterfly bushes (Buddleja davidii). These plants will not only add height but also attract beneficial pollinators to your garden.

Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental grasses are another excellent choice for adding height and texture to your coleus planting. Their upright growth habit and airy foliage create a beautiful contrast with the dense, colorful leaves of coleus.

Try planting coleus with Karl Foerster feather reed grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster') or switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) for a striking combination of color, texture, and height.

Tall Foliage Plants

Tall foliage plants can also provide a stunning backdrop for your coleus. Look for plants with large, attractive leaves that will complement the vibrant hues of your coleus.

Consider planting coleus with elephant ears (Colocasia esculenta), cannas (Canna), or banana plants (Musa) for a lush, tropical-inspired display.

Low-growing Companions

In addition to tall companions, coleus also pairs well with low-growing plants that will spill over the edges of containers or cascade down slopes. These plants can help to anchor your coleus and create a cohesive, well-designed garden space.

When selecting low-growing companions, look for plants with similar cultural requirements and growth habits as coleus. This will ensure that your plants thrive in their shared environment.

Ground Covers

Ground covers are an excellent choice for pairing with coleus, as they can help to suppress weeds and create a neat, well-maintained appearance. Look for low-growing plants with attractive foliage or flowers that will complement your coleus.

Consider planting coleus with creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea'), deadnettle (Lamium maculatum), or sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas) for a colorful and low-maintenance combination.

Succulents and Cacti

Succulents and cacti can create a striking contrast with the lush, colorful foliage of coleus. Their unique textures and shapes can add visual interest to your garden and help to create a well-rounded, diverse planting scheme.

Try planting coleus with echeveria (Echeveria), sedum (Sedum), or hens and chicks (Sempervivum) for a captivating combination of color, texture, and form.

When selecting plants to pair with your coleus, don't be afraid to experiment and have fun! By combining plants with complementary features, you can create a unique and visually appealing garden that showcases the best of both worlds. So go ahead, get creative, and enjoy the process of designing a beautiful, harmonious garden space with your coleus as the star of the show.