Not Hostas: There's A Fast-Growing Ground Cover To Fill Bare Flower Beds

Bare soil looks dull and practically rolls out the red carpet for weeds. Having these boring spots make landscaping look unfinished, so having a fast-growing plant to fill things in is key to refreshing your landscape. Although plants like hostas (Hosta plantaginea) remain popular landscaping options, their fairly monotonous coloring and nearly-inevitable slug damage aren't exactly exciting. While there are options galore, plants like larger or newer-variety hostas can be pricey. But you don't have to spend a ton to make your garden beds look full and lush. That's where coleus (Coleus scutellarioides) comes in.

Having a solid spread of ground cover goes far for making your yard look nice, but if you choose the wrong plants, you'll end up with another problem: deer. The critters are fond of plants like English ivy, firs, and (you guessed it) hostas, and by planting them, you run the risk of creating a free buffet for the local deer population. Instead, go with some ultra-colorful coleus to give your garden beds more variety.

Coleus thrives in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 11, and its varieties sport dazzling foliage in shades like pink and yellow-green, though there are plenty of stunning and unusual dark colors of coleus, too. Each plant can eventually get as wide as 3 feet. Coleus can handle some shade as well as full sun, though it prefers partial shade, making it a fairly flexible choice across your yard. These beauties are deer-resistant, as deer dislike their texture. And best of all?  You should only expect to pay around $5 for a flat of starter plants, which will cover plenty of space once established.

Whether beautifying a small corner or covering a larger expanse, you'll likely need to do some soil prep before planting these lovelies. Coleus love soil that drains well and that's rich with nutrients; if yours is lackluster or clay heavy, you'll need to amend it. Mixing in some standard compost will do wonders here to help the plants settle in with all the nutrients they need. Though you aren't required to use compost for coleus, not taking the time to set some up can mean you're still left with bare spots. The extra nutrients found in compost will help coleus grow and spread like a champion. 

To plant, dig small holes roughly 1 foot apart. This is the minimum recommended distance, but it makes it easier for your coleus to merge into a colorful solid carpet. After planting, give them a deep watering, as you would with any new plant. Then, add a thin layer of mulch around (but not touching) the base to hold and slowly share moisture as the plants grow. By upgrading to the colorful blanket of coleus (and knowing how to properly care for your coleus plant), you can make your garden beds look full and lush, boosting your yard's aesthetic without destroying your budget. This is a simple weekend upgrade that guarantees a more exciting and colorful yard all season long.