Are your begonias looking lonely in the garden? Try pairing them with some companions to spice things up!
These wonderful plants are known for their unique flowers and leaves that combine perfectly with the vibrant begonia blooms. Plus, they have similar growing requirements so you can easily grow them together.
In this article, we are going to cover the best companions for begonias and share some tips on how to grow them.
Stay tuned!
1. Persian Shields
Plant size: 5 feet tall, 3 feet wide
USDA zones: 10 through 11
Used for: Vibrant background to begonias’ flowers
We are starting off our list with the stunning Persian shields!
These plants produce vibrant purple and silver foliage that adds a touch of elegance and life to your garden during the fall and winter seasons.
Their upright growth habit provides a beautiful backdrop to the begonia’s cascading blooms, creating a visually appealing garden partnership!
Keep them in the shade and make sure that they have good drainage. You can grow them in planters or in the ground.
Related: A List Of Lovely Persian Flowers And What They Symbolize
2. Pansies
Plant size: Depending on the variety
USDA zones: 6 through 10
Used for: Colorful flower display
Pansies are also winter-blooming flowers that will combine perfectly with your begonias. There are a lot of varieties that produce vibrant and colorful flowers. They are known for their heart-shaped petals and delightful fragrance.
Pansies and begonias together create a dynamic flower display!
These flowers thrive in cooler temperatures and partially shaded areas. They need well-draining flowers and some watering to keep them nice and thriving. Compact and versatile, pansies can be nestled among other plants or showcased in containers.
3. Ornamental Cabbage
Plant size: 12 to 18 inches tall and wide
USDA zones: 4 through 9
Used for: Soft aesthetics
Instead of pairing flowers with flowers, why not spice things up and pair flowers with ornamental veggies?
These plants are known for their vibrant rosettes in shades transitioning from pale green to shades of deep purple and pink. When combined with begonias, they create a soft and interesting display in the garden.
Growing ornamental cabbage is relatively easy. All you have to do is plant them in full sun and well-draining soil. Perfect for fall and winter gardens, ornamental cabbage can withstand frost, adding beauty to the landscape when other plants may be fading.
4. Coral Bells
Plant size: 6 to 16 inches tall, 12 to 36 inches wide
USDA zones: 4 through 9
Used for: Diverse foliage colors and compact size
Coral bells, otherwise known as Heuchera spp, are wonderful perennial plants that produce vibrant foliage in a range of colors, including shades of green, purple, and red.
Thanks to their foliage and compact size, coral bells complement begonias very well. When planted together, their leaves and flowers create an appealing contrast.
Coral bells are winter-hardy and they can grow in partial shade or full sun. They grow and thrive in well-draining soil and are suitable for borders, containers, or as ground covers.
If you are interested in more companions for coral bells, make sure to check: 9 Fantastic Companion Plants For Coral Bells
5. Ferns
Plant size: Depending on the variety
USDA zones: 4 through 8
Used for: Aesthetic background, similar requirements
Ferns are often combined with begonias due to their dark, compact foliage and shade-loving properties. There are a lot of fern varieties to choose from, yet the most popular ones are Boston and Maidenhair ferns.
They are excellent choices for woodland gardens, as they create a cool, calming atmosphere. Ferns are also adaptable to various climates and are relatively easy to grow – simply keep them in shaded areas and moist soils.
6. Winter Hardy Grasses
Plant size: Depending on the variety
USDA zones: Depending on the variety
Used for: Adding texture
Winter hardy grasses are known for their graceful arching blades and ability to grow in freezing temperatures. Paired with begonias, these grasses add a different dimension and texture to the garden.
These grasses prefer full sun and well-draining soil. Don’t worry, they will grow and thrive in all kinds of weather, including low temperatures and cold winds.
7. Impatiens
Plant size: 10 to 16 inches tall, 10 to 15 inches wide
USDA zones: 10 through 11
Used for: Colorful flower display
If you want to have a colorful garden, then combining impatiens and begonias is the way to go!
These flowers come in various shades, providing a burst of color in shaded areas. Impatiens and begonia’s similar growth habits and preference for partial shade make them delightful companions, resulting in a lush and vibrant display.
Impatiens thrive in partial to full shade, along with soil that drains well. They are perfect choices for borders, containers, or hanging baskets.
Related: 25 Gorgeous Pink Perennial Flowers For Every Season
8. Coleus
Plant size: 6 to 36 inches tall and wide
USDA zones: 10 to 11 inches tall
Used for: Foliage display
Coleus is a popular choice renowned for its stunning, multicolored foliage that comes in different shapes and patterns. This versatile annual or perennial (depending on the climate) adds a touch of drama and flair to any garden setting!
Coleus and begonias make a dynamic duo with their striking foliage and similar cultural needs. Coleus’ unique leaves combine perfectly with the vibrant colors of begonia flowers.
These plants thrive in partial shade to full sun, depending on the variety. They require well-draining soil for proper growth and development. Regular pinching encourages bushier growth.
9. Dusty Miller
Plant size: 2 feet tall and wide
USDA zones: 8 through 10
Used for: Silvery-gray leaves
Dusty miller is known for its silver-gray, finely textured foliage. These Mediterranean plants are often grown in borders and containers and they combine perfectly with colorful begonia blooms.
The textural difference and color complementarity create an interesting display, especially in mixed plantings and container arrangements.
Grow Dusty miller in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Its heat and drought tolerance make it a resilient addition to gardens.
Related: 15 Awesome Dusty Miller Companion Plants And How To Grow Them
10. Violas
Plant size: 8 inches tall
USDA zones: 3 through 9
Used for: Vibrant blooms
Let’s finish our list with the colorful violas. These cheerful plants are available in a spectrum of colors!
They create a lovely flower display when paired with begonias.Their petite size and early bloom time complement the begonia’s larger blooms, resulting in a harmonious blend.
Both plants share similar growing conditions, making them excellent companions for a vibrant and easy-to-care-for garden. Both plants should be grown in well-draining soil and receive enough sunlight throughout the day.