Begonia flowers and leaves come in a variety of colors and color combinations. For example, ‘Gold Plate’ has yellow flowers, ‘Guardsman’ – red and ‘Double Picotee’ has red-edged cream colors. Begonias grow in rich, moist soil and in filtered shade, so plants that grow well with Begonias should benefit from these conditions too.
When choosing what to plant next to Begonias, think about complimenting colors or going with one color combination. Alternatively, you can make a statement with one flower while the other serves as backdrop. So, what plants grow well with Begonias?
- Coleus
- Impatiens
- Black Mondo Grass
- Torenia
- Silver Nickel Vine
- Caladium
- Fiber optic grass
- ‘Brigadoon’ St. John’s wort
- ‘Persian Chocolate’ moneywort
- Boston fern
- Yellow corydalis
- Persian Shield
Best companion plants for Begonias:
Begonia and Coleus
Coleus is a very easy plant to propagate and grow. Although they can grow in medium shade, the color will be the most vivid in full sun. Coleus grows from 12 to 18 inches tall. You can plant red Begonias and Coleus together in one pot or in a shady spot of the garden.
Coleus leaves definitely make a statement in the garden or greenhouse as they come in shades of pink and red. These plants will echo the blossom color of Begonias growing next to them.
Begonias and Impatiens
Impatiens are small flowers that come in a variety of colors including white, red, pink, violet, coral, purple and yellow. Growing impatiens requires very little maintenance. Both begonias and impatiens need moist soil that drains well.
Begonia and Black Mondo Grass
Black Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’) is a hardy herbaceous perennial that has straplike and shiny black leaves. It grows well with dark-leaf Begonia like ‘Dark Leaf Ruby’ Begonia.
Begonia and Torenia
To make a statement in the shade garden, you can pair Begonias with Torenia (Wishbone Flowers). Torenia come with blue, white or pink flowers that have yellow markings. It is a landscape annual flower that can reach 12–15 in. tall.
So you can grow red ‘Dragon Wing’ begonias as a backdrop for creeping ‘Summer Wave Blue’ Torenias. Both plants need shade and well-drained soil. Grow them in raised garden beds, directly in ground or pots.
Begonia and Silver Nickel Vine
Silver Nickel Vine (Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’) is a tender herbaceous perennial that gardeners grow as an annual plant. The leaves are light silver and plant is growing low covering the ground. It can grow up to 4 feet long. Pair Silver Leaf Begonia with Silver Nickel Vine to echo the color of Begonia.
Begonia and Caladium
Caladium is also known as Elephant Ear plant, Heart of Jesus or Angel Wings. It is a tropical plant which likes shade and rich, moist soil. You can create an all-white combination with ‘Prelude White’ begonia and shimmering ‘White Christmas’ caladium that has white big leaves.
Also, a Dwarf elephant ear (Alocasia gagaena) will grow well with Begonia with green and bronze colored leaves. Dwarf Elephant Ear can reach up to 2 feet tall. It comes with velvety dark leaves with bright green veins and a silvery green spot in the middle.
Begonia and Fiber optic grass
Isolepis cernua or Fiber Optic Grass originates from the regions of North Africa. It is a plant with thin green stems and white flower tips which resembles fiber optic. Similar to Begonias, Fiber Optic Grass needs moist or wet soil and grows well in part shade or full sun. Moreover, its leaves with silvery white flowers will match with green and bronze colors in the Begonia flowers.
Begonia and ‘Brigadoon’ St. John’s wort
Hypericum calycinum ‘Brigadoon’ also known as ‘Brigadoon’ St. John’s wort is a dense shrub with upright growth. You can grow it in a container in part-shade. Also, it likes well drained soil. The leaves of this plant are oval shaped and are yellow.
Therefore, ‘Brigadoon’ St. John’s wort will look very nice next to dark leaves plants. Moreover, you can pair it with Begonia that blooms with golden flowers. For example, pair ‘Brigadoon’ St. John’s wort with Begonia ‘Nonstop Yellow’ to brighten a shady spot in your garden.
Begonia and ‘Persian Chocolate’ moneywort
Lysimachia congestiflora ‘Persian Chocolate’ or ‘Persian Chocolate’ moneywort is a semi-evergreen groundcover plant that has purple leaves. It groves well on slopes or in containers. Furthermore, this plant will grow well with Begonias because it likes moist soil and partial shade.
Use ‘Persian Chocolate’ moneywort as a background for Begonia blooming with yellow or gold flowers. ‘Persian Chocolate’ moneywort blooms with golden yellow bell-shaped flowers in late spring. As a result, you will create an all yellow spot in your garden or greenhouse.
Begonia and Boston Fern
Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Bostoniensis’ or Boston Fern is one of the most popular houseplants. It has graceful, arching, green fronds that look ruffled. Although most of the time gardeners use ferns as background plants, others dedicate whole greenhouses to growing ferns.
Most of the ferns thrive in high air humidity. Boston ferns prefer moist and well-drained soil. You can pair a Begonia ‘Nonstop Yellow’ with its golden blooms with ‘Rita’s Gold’ Boston fern that is more compact than the classic one and has golden-leaved fronds.
Begonia and Yellow corydalis
Corydalis lutea or Yellow corydalis is a little plant that grows on walls, paths and terraces. It is a perennial which forms an attractive mound of fresh-green, divided leaves that resemble ferns. From late spring to early fall it blooms with yellow locket-shaped flowers which is a perfect companion plant for Yellow Begonia.
Begonia and Persian Shield
Rex Begonia is a tropical plant well known for its obliquely ovate leaves with colorful pattern. You can create an all purple corner in a shady garden by planting Rex Begonia together with Persian Shield. Persian Shield is a an evergreen perennial plant that needs shade to bring out the deepest purple color in the leaves.
