I meant more like ornamental grasses or millet, but just now I remembered, dahlia, Persian shield, zinnia, and salvia could work. Coffee must've finally kicked in. Happy growing

Why Coleus? I like million bells with an upright flowering plant and Rob333 gave you a few good suggestions.

Coleus is a shade plant and even the new sun tolerant variety does best in part shade. Million Bells prefers full sun so the 2 are not very compatible.

I do like the million belles and salvia combo!!!!

Love million bells! If you have space to overwinter, they're actually tender perennials. I brought mine inside and now they're happily blooming outside again.

I guess "thriller" is in the eye of the beholder. Coleus are at the top of my list of thrilling plants, and they're gorgeous every day, no waiting for blooms.

Sun coleus love being in the sun all day here (AL near FL border). If one gets a plant that is not used to that, even though it's a sun type, it could burn while adjusting, like any plant given a sudden & drastic increase in exposure.

Many or even most plants sold as annuals are tender perennials, depending on ones' location.

thriller in container combo speak is taller stuff. Coleus is good stuff!

I'm aware of the lingo, but TY for the comment in case I was not. :) If you are thinking of Coleus as shorter plants, I better understand the comment.

Am I remembering correctly that you are someplace unusually cold, like Z3 or 4? Did your name used to have a zone with it?

I just planted a container with one angelonia (thriller), one lantana (filler), one Supertunia "Honey" and one Superbells "Tropical Sunrise" (spillers). I can hardly wait for them to start filling out; the colors are gorgeous.

Me? Zone 7 and I've not put the zone in. I'm always happy to tell people. After the Houzz change over, once I got my name like I wanted it, I didn't want to mess with it.

I'm in z7 and grow some in a container. I wouldn't dare plant anything with them because it would take away from their beauty. These are in a large pot.

Gorgeous, Oakley! Agree, nothing else is needed. I have an unbridled enthusiasm when it comes to plants, and I would put a taller plant in that pot, just because. A taller specimen, with the bottom foliage removed. I just like pots to be wild and out of control. :)

TY, Rob. It's just me being confused. :) In Z7, your season should be long enough to grow some Coleus to 3 feet tall, or more. It all depends on the material available to start.

Nobody "should" do anything with plants just because someone else does, or thinks they should. Do what makes you happy, and if nobody else understands or appreciates it, it doesn't matter. Gathering suggestions you might not already have in mind is always a great way to make a more informed decision or goal.

Back @ home now, so am able to add some pics of Coleus potted with other plants. You can keep them small, or let them go wild.