If you Google, you won’t find much on incorporating coleus into your flower arrangements, but I love the result. Not only does it look fabulous and is super economical, but it is a great way to transition those summer flowers into the cooler seasons.
What flowers look good with coleus?
Companion Plants for Coleus
- Lantana.
- Impatiens.
- Begonias.
- Heliotrope.
- Cordyline (spikes)
- Dusty miller.
- Sweet potato vine.
- Ornamental grasses like purple fountain grass.
How long do coleus flowers last?
Coleus will quickly die if they’re exposed to freezing temperatures and frost. Overall, expect outdoor plants to last about a year, and indoor plants can keep you company for up to 3-5 years if properly cared for.
How do you plant coleus in a flower bed?
About Coleus
- Coleus can easily be started from seed indoors about 10 weeks before the last frost date in your region.
- Set plants out after all danger of frost has passed.
- Choose a spot that is protected from wind.
- Coleus need well-draining soil.
- Water the plant thoroughly after planting.
Can you use coleus in flower arrangements? – 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.
Is coleus toxic to dogs?
Coleus is poisonous to dogs, and while the plant is not likely to be fatal if eaten, it can cause a reaction and illness. The leaves of Coleus contain diterpene coleonol and coleon O, which are toxic to dogs. Pets that ingest Coleus foliage may experience vomiting, diarrhea, and depression.
Can you plant coleus directly in the ground?
There are some large coleus cultivars that grow over 30 inches tall, and when you plant them in the ground they really take off. The more space you give them to spread out their roots, the larger they grow. SuperSun ‘Plum Parfait’ above grows up to 3 feet tall and creates a nice hedge to back up other plants.
How deep should coleus be planted?
Coleus plants are not very picky about soil, just as long as it is well-draining. When planting in the ground, the hole should be at least 6 inches deeper than the size of the root ball.
How close together can you plant coleus?
Plants should stand 12 inches apart in the garden. Dig a hole for each plant large enough to amply accommodate the root ball. Set level with the surrounding soil.
Can you plant a coleus plant in the ground?
If growing in the garden, coleus plants grow best in moist, well-draining soil. The plants have fibrous roots that like to be moist and cool. Top-dress the soil with mulch in a garden planted with coleus. Space seedlings 10 – 12 inches apart.
Will coleus come back every year?
Hardy in USDA zones 10-11, coleus is a tender perennial but is most often grown as an annual. Since coleus are sensitive to cooler temperatures, they will only come back the following year in the warmest regions.
Should flowers be removed from coleus?
Some gardeners leave the small flowers, but it’s best to pinch them off to direct more energy into stem and foliage growth. Coleus left to flower may lose vigor as the plant puts energy into seed production.
Can I leave coleus outside in winter?
Coleus is very frost-sensitive, so bring the plants inside if cold nights threaten. By mid-May, the plants should be ready for your garden or containers. Cuttings may also be taken from a large, healthy plant in late spring.
What temperature is too cold for coleus?
The lowest temperature coleus can tolerate is 33°F, but only for very brief periods of time. And that is really too cold for them. Though they can handle a light frost, if it dips below freezing for long, they will die. They prefer temps above 60°F – the hotter the better.
How do you winterize potted coleus?
Once rooted, pot up the plants for the winter season by fall. Another method is to move the entire container indoors before the first frost. Before bringing them in, check for bugs, spray the plants down with a hose and make sure to wash off the underside of the leaves. Place in a sunny window or under a grow light.
Can coleus be kept indoors over winter?
There’s good news for cold-climate gardeners: you don’t have to let the frigid temperatures and snow destroy your annual plants like your favorite coleus. You can prolong their beauty by bringing them indoors for the winter.
How do you keep coleus alive indoors?
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.
Will coleus come back after a freeze?
Do Coleus Come Back After a Winter Freeze? The short answer is that coleus are not frost-tolerant plants. While not impossible for them to regrow after a frost, most will likely die if they are exposed to colder temperatures and are hit by frost. They will not survive in areas that get below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.