Coleus is a fantastic plant for adding color to your garden or house. A member of the mint family, it’s not known for its flowers, but for its beautiful and vibrantly colored leaves. On top of that, it’s extremely well suited to growing in containers. But how do you grow coleus in pots? Keep reading to learn about potted coleus care and how to grow coleus in containers.
Caring for Coleus in Containers
Growing coleus in a pot is an ideal way to keep it. It won’t grow larger than the container it’s in, but if moved to a bigger container, it will fill it out, reaching as high as 2 feet tall. Since they will stay compact if need be, coleus in pots pair well with other plants. You can plant them as shorter ground cover in large pots featuring a tree or tall shrub, or you can plant them as the main tall attraction surrounded by other trailing plants around the outside edge. They also work very well in hanging baskets, particularly the trailing varieties.
How to Grow Coleus in Pots
To keep your coleus in pots from getting gangly, pinch back the new growth. Simply pinch back the very ends of the stems with your fingers - this will encourage new shoots to branch out on the sides, making for an overall bushier plant. Plant your coleus in a sturdy container that won’t tip over if it does get to be 2 feet tall. Fill your container with well-draining soil and fertilize moderately. Be careful not to over fertilize, though, or your coleus in pots may lose their brilliant color. Water regularly, keeping the soil moist. Keep them out of the wind to avoid breakage. Coleus will not survive a frost, so either treat your plant as an annual or move it inside when temperatures begin to drop.
-
Grow A Music Garden: Hit The High Notes By Making Musical Instruments From NatureMusic lovers and gardening lovers can find a natural groove using items growing and resting around them. Find out how easy it is making musical instruments from nature
-
Why You Should Eat Invasive Plants – A Tasty Way To Control Unwanted SpeciesEat invasive plants for nutrition and their amazing varied flavors, but be sure to properly identify the plant and know how to eat it.
-
Indoor Coleus Care: How To Grow A Coleus HouseplantCan I grow coleus indoors? Sure, why not? Although coleus is typically grown outdoors as an annual, its vibrant leaves provide many months of enjoyment indoors if growing conditions are just right. Click here to learn more about growing coleus as an indoor plant.
-
Coleus Plant Has Flower Spikes: What To Do With Coleus BloomsColeus plant flowering signals that winter is coming and the plant should produce seed to continue its genetic dynasty, but often leads to a rangy plant. It?s best to learn what to do with coleus blooms if you want to keep a compact plant. This article will help.
-
Information About Under The Sea Coleus CollectionWhen I came across Under the Sea coleus plants, I was quite taken aback. This was indeed something I wanted not only to grow but to share its unusual beauty with others. What is all the hoopla about? Read this article to learn more.
-
How To Propagate Coleus From Seed Or CuttingsThe shade loving coleus is a favorite among shade and container gardeners. Many gardeners wonder if coleus propagation can be done at home. The answer is, yes, and this article will help.
-
Coleus Care Guide: Everything You Need To KnowDramatic and colorful, coleus plants are a staple in warm zones and containers, and they love partial shade.
-
Winterizing Coleus: How To Overwinter ColeusUnless you take precautions beforehand, that first bout of cold or frost will quickly kill off your coleus plants. Winterizing coleus is important and actually quite easy. Find out how to overwinter them in this article.
