The Ultimate Guide to Growing Coleus in Containers

Are you ready to take your container gardening game to the next level? Why not try growing coleus? With their vibrant tropical colors, the leaves of Coleus species will surely add a pop of excitement to your garden.

Believe it or not, one of my most memorable experiences with containerized coleus was at Busch Stadium, the home of the St. Louis Cardinals – sorry, Chicago Cubs fans. During my time interning at Focal Pointe Outdoor Solutions, I had the opportunity to care for some beautiful red coleus in the stands near the foul poles at the stadium.

As a client of Focal Pointe, the Cards needed outside help in maintaining these plants throughout the stadium. Watering and fertilizing the coleus, I realized just how important their colors can be in creating a vibrant aesthetic. These plants really added to the Cardinals’ red theme and got some air time whenever a slightly foul ball was hit.

If coleus plants are good enough for an MLB stadium, they’ll definitely look amazing in your garden too. With our comprehensive guide to growing coleus in containers, you’ll be able to nurture these plants like a pro. Let’s dive in!

What You’ll Learn

Table of Contents

A Coleus Primer
- Definition of Coleus
- Growth Habits and Requirements
Why Cultivate a Containerized Coleus?
- Accessibility
- Flexibility
- Style
Choosing a Variety, Container, and Growing Medium
Planting, Placement, and Container Care
- Planting Tips
- Maintenance Guidelines

A Coleus Primer

For those unfamiliar with coleus, it’s an herbaceous, leaf-heavy perennial that can grow anywhere from six to 36 inches tall. While it’s a perennial in USDA Hardiness Zones 10 to 11, it’s often grown as an annual in cooler climates.

Coleus plants come in a variety of colors and patterns, with leaves of different shapes, widths, and lengths. They belong to the mint family and have square-shaped stems with pairs of opposite-facing leaves.

Why Cultivate a Containerized Coleus?

While coleus can be grown in-ground, there are several advantages to cultivating them in containers:

Accessibility

Growing coleus in containers makes it easier to reach and work with the plants. By elevating them in pots, window planters, or raised beds, you can reduce bending and stooping while caring for them.

Flexibility

Container-grown coleus are easier to move compared to in-ground plants. Whether you want to relocate them for better sun exposure or change their placement, moving potted coleus is much simpler.

Style

Containers offer a wide range of aesthetic options for showcasing coleus plants. You can choose different sizes, shapes, colors, and designs to complement the plants’ vibrant foliage and create unique pairings.

Choosing a Variety, Container, and Growing Medium

With numerous coleus species and cultivars to choose from, it’s essential to have a clear idea of what you want before selecting your plants. When choosing containers, consider factors like material, drainage, and size to provide optimal growing conditions for your coleus.

Using a well-draining growing medium rich in organic matter will help your coleus thrive. Additionally, ensure that your containers have drainage holes to prevent waterlogged soil and root rot.

Planting, Placement, and Container Care

When planting coleus in containers, wait for temperatures above 60°F for optimal growth conditions. Be mindful of your variety’s light preferences and plan their placement accordingly.

Regular watering is crucial to keep the soil moist, but avoid overhead irrigation to prevent excess moisture on the leaves. Pinch back flowers to promote healthy growth and maintain the focus on the foliage.

Fertilize your coleus plants monthly with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer to support their growth. If your plants become overcrowded, consider transplanting them to larger containers for better growth opportunities.

In colder climates, decide whether to bring coleus indoors during winter or treat them as annuals. Provide indoor plants with adequate light, warmth, and moisture to simulate their outdoor growing conditions.

You Really Ought to Use a Pot

Utilizing containers for growing coleus provides endless placement possibilities. Experiment with different sizes, shapes, and styles to create unique displays and showcase the plants’ vibrant foliage. With proper care, the sky’s the limit when it comes to growing coleus in containers!

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or new to container gardening, cultivating coleus plants in pots, window planters, or raised beds offers a rewarding experience with stunning results. Have fun exploring new ways to showcase these beautiful plants in your garden.

Got questions or insights to share? Feel free to drop a comment below and join the conversation. Happy gardening!