The interesting and colorful foliage of coleus makes it a no-brainer paired with other shade garden classics like impatiens.
What flowers go well with coleus?
Companion Plants for Coleus
- Lantana.
- Impatiens.
- Begonias.
- Heliotrope.
- Cordyline (spikes)
- Dusty miller.
- Sweet potato vine.
- Ornamental grasses like purple fountain grass.
What do you pair with impatiens?
In shade containers or flower borders, these make lovely companion plants for impatiens:
- Asparagus fern.
- Sweet potato vine.
- Coleus.
- Caladium.
- Begonia.
- Fuchsia.
- Elephant ear.
- Bacopa.
Does coleus like sun or shade?
Some modern coleus varieties handle full sun, but most still flourish with at least dappled shade and direct sun limited to morning hours. Too much sun or intense midday rays leave foliage scorched and faded; too little light causes weak growth. A balance is important for coleus beauty and health.
Can impatiens and coleus be planted together? – Related Questions
Do coleus do better in pots or in the ground?
Coleus can grow well in pots or the ground, making them a versatile addition to an outdoor space. The colorful foliage of Coleus will brighten up a patio, porch, or balcony. When grown in a container, the plant can easily be moved to a spot in need of color or an area that provides more favorable conditions.
Does coleus take hot afternoon sun?
Coleus has long been considered a shade plant but the best leaf color is achieved with morning sun and some degree of afternoon shade. Many varieties do well in both shade and part-sun. Some can take quite a bit of sun as long as they are not allowed to dry out.
Where is the best place to plant coleus?
Coleus does best in partial to full shade, though many newer varieties can tolerate full sun. For optimum foliage color, choose a site that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. See more foliage plants for shade.
Can coleus be in the sun all day?
Conditions: Coleus are tender tropicals that are generally grown as annuals because they are hardy only in USDA Hardiness Zone 11. They like warm soils with decent drainage. They are not happy in overly dry conditions. Coleus will grow in full sun to medium shade, but their colors are most vivid in full sun.
Do coleus come back every year?
In tropical climates and in their native environment, Coleus is a perennial plant that can come back every year. During the cold season, the stems die back but the roots don’t.
How often should you water coleus?
Coleus in containers may need watering twice a day during hot weather. Outdoor containers may require water twice a day. Indoor plants need water only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
How long do coleus plants live for?
The average lifespan of a coleus plant is one year.
It’s not uncommon for indoor plants to live between 3-4 years if they are properly cared for, which means proper watering, sunlight, the right soil, and the right plant food to keep it green, and healthy.
How do I keep my coleus happy?
Indoor Coleus Care
- Water regularly to keep the soil slightly moist – never bone dry and never soggy.
- Feed the plant once every week or two during spring and summer, using a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength.
- Place the pot on a tray with a layer of wet pebbles if the air in your home is dry.
Should you deadhead coleus?
Removing flower buds allows the plant to refocus that energy into new foliage. If you decide to keep the flowers, you can deadhead the plant or remove the spent flowers.
How do you keep a coleus bushy?
It’s easy: you just need to pinch them. It may seem counterproductive to cut back a plant that you want more of, but pinching many annual and tender perennial plants—like coleus—encourages branching and full, bushy growth.
Should you water coleus every day?
How Often To Water Coleus. Newly planted Coleus will need to be watered daily for the first week. Once the plant is established, it may be able to go a few days before watering, depending on the weather and humidity in your area. Coleus has high water needs and generally prefers consistently damp soil.
Do coleus need deep pots?
As a minimum, you’ll want a pot that’s eight inches wide and deep for a single plant. If you want to plant more than one, or add some colorful annual flowers, then consider a large planter. Make sure your container has draining holes on the bottom.
Can you keep coleus as a houseplant?
It is the perfect plant for the north side of the home or any area that only has indirect light. A little early morning sun will be tolerable but don’t plant coleus in the direct sun. This trait makes coleus an invaluable plant in the outdoor shady garden, but it also makes coleus a great houseplant.