Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides) have always made great container plants but there are other exciting ways to add it to your garden, too. Some large cultivars 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 these coleus grow. SuperSun ‘Plum Parfait’ is the anchor in this combo. It grows up to 3 feet tall and creating a nice, full hedge to back up other plants.
Foliage can help make the transition from a sunny area to a shaded one. Many coleus can handle both conditions, and the ‘Plum Parfait’ here is a sun-tolerant hybrid. And while the grass will get the richest color in sun, it will still grow quite well in some shade. Caladiums don’t like full sun so grow them in at least part shade, such as in the shadow of these taller plants.
If you're interested in another great combination of plants, grow this colorful flower combo.
A) ‘Plum Parfait’ coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides)
Type Tender perennial (Usually grown as an annual) Blooms Ruffled plum-pink foliage has lighter edges Light Full sun to part shade Size 18 to 36 in. tall, 18 to 24 in. wide Hardiness Cold zones 10 to 12, heat zones 12 to 1
B) ‘Fireworks’ fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum)
Type Tender perennial (Usually grown as an annual) Blooms Red-pink-and green-striped foliage; fuzzy seedheads in late summer Light Full sun to part shade Size 24 to 30 in. tall and wide Hardiness Cold zones 9 to 10, heat zones 12 to 1
C) Dragon Wing® Red begonia (Begonia)
Type Tender perennial (Usually grown as an annual) Blooms Glossy medium green leaves; red flowers all summer Light Full sun to part shade Size 12 to 18 in. tall, 15 to 18 in. wide Hardiness Cold zones 10 to 11, heat zones 12 to 1
D) ‘Miss Muffet’ caladium (Caladium)
Type Tender tuber Blooms Pale foliage speckled with red Light Part to full shade Size 10 to 14 in. tall and wide Hardiness Cold zones 9 to 11, heat zones 12 to 1
