Begonia companion plants are a great way to add more color and texture to your shade garden.
These versatile plants can thrive in garden beds, containers, and hanging baskets, instantly adding charm to any shade garden.
You're reading: 9 Best Begonia Companion Plants to Elevate Your Flower Bed
With over 2,000 begonia varieties to choose from, you can easily pair them with other companion plants to create a visually stunning and dynamic garden design.
In this article, we will explore some of the best plant species to consider when planting begonias.
What to Plant with Begonias
Establishing a successful and low-maintenance garden involves pairing plants that share similar growing conditions.
Begonias are shade-loving plants that thrive in sheltered areas with indirect light. They require moist soil that drains well and are not tolerant of dryness or excessive sunlight.
To create a harmonious and eye-catching garden, consider these begonia companion plants:
Impatiens
Impatiens and begonias make excellent companions due to their similar growing requirements.
Both plants thrive in partial shade and well-draining soil.
The lush foliage and vibrant flowers of impatiens beautifully complement the refined touch provided by begonia flowers.
Additionally, the contrasting textures of their leaves add visual interest to your garden beds.
Fiber Optic Grass
Fiber optic grass is an ideal companion for begonia garden beds.
Its fountain-like grass structure adds delicate texture, while the bright green leaves and silvery white flowers create a striking contrast against the dark green foliage of begonias.
Thriving in moist and partially shaded areas (USDA zones 8-11), fiber optic grass can be grown alongside begonias or used as a border plant.
Black Mondo Grass
Black mondo grass is perfect for creating a unique and distinctive garden.
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With shiny black leaves that resemble grass, this plant stands out among the dark green fronds of begonias.
It can be grown in full sunlight to deep shade and is compatible with well-drained fertile soil.
Black mondo grass adds depth and contrast to your garden, making it an excellent choice alongside lighter-toned begonia species.
Silver Nickel Vine
Silver nickel vine is a fantastic plant to pair with begonias in hanging baskets.
Its silvery white leaves gracefully trail out of pots, creating a dramatic spiller or waterfall effect.
This versatile vine can also be used as a ground cover around begonias to keep the soil consistently moist.
Heat and drought-tolerant, silver nickel vine thrives in shaded gardens and can add a stunning background to your begonia flowers.
Coleus Plants
Coleus plants are excellent companions for begonias, offering a wide variety of colorful foliage to enhance your garden.
Whether positioned in a shade garden or a sunny area, these bushy plants thrive in moist soil with regular watering.
The vibrant foliage of coleus adds both color and texture to your garden beds, allowing you to create striking contrasts or harmonious blends with your begonia blooms.
Wishbone Flowers
Wishbone flowers are bushy annuals that pair beautifully with begonias.
With their vivid green leaves and bright blooms resembling fluttering butterflies, wishbone flowers add texture and vibrancy to your garden.
These flowers grow well in semi-shaded areas and require nutrient-rich soil with regular watering.
them alongside your begonias to create a delightful and visually appealing display.
Boston Ferns
Boston ferns are a common choice in shade garden designs and make excellent companions for begonias.
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Their thin green stems add delicate texture to your garden beds, enhancing the overall visual appeal.
Boston ferns thrive in partially shaded areas with well-drained soil and regular watering.
Consider pairing them with colorful varieties of begonias to create a captivating backdrop that showcases the begonia blooms.
Creeping Jenny
Creeping jenny is an ideal plant for begonia garden pots, as it not only keeps the soil moist but also acts as a beautiful spiller that cascades over the edges of your pots.
Its yellow foliage creates a striking contrast, making varieties like red begonias or dragon wing begonias stand out even more.
Thriving in filtered shade, creeping jenny spreads quickly, adding depth and visual interest to your garden beds.
John’s Wort
John’s wort is an excellent choice if you want to create a light or yellow-toned color scheme in your garden.
Its vivid yellow flowers and bright green leaves look striking next to begonia varieties with lighter foliage, such as the ‘Nonstop Yellow’ begonia.
These hardy perennials can grow in various soil types, including rocky soil, as long as it drains well.
Planted in semi-shade or full-sun conditions with regular watering, John’s wort can become a focal point in your garden bed, surrounded by lower yellow begonia species.
Which are NOT Begonia Companion Plants
While begonias can be paired with many plant species, some varieties may not thrive when planted alongside them.
Sun-loving plants like peonies, coneflowers, or African daisies might experience stunted growth and produce fewer flowers when planted next to begonias.
Additionally, drought-tolerant plants like cosmos flowers, black-eyed Susans, or sage are not well-suited for the moist conditions that begonias require and may develop root rot.
In conclusion, begonias can be paired with a variety of ornamental plants to create visually stunning garden displays.
Whether it’s ferns, vines, coleus, grass varieties, or flowering species like wishbone flowers and John’s wort, the possibilities are endless.
By carefully selecting complementary companion plants, you can enhance the beauty of your begonia flower bed and create a truly captivating landscape.
Source: https://thelittle.garden
Category: Gardening