Begonias are the perfect plant for growing in shady areas of the garden. Some types of begonias have gorgeous flowers, others have striking foliage. They are quite hardy, and make the perfect container flower, depending on the type of begonia you’ve decided to grow.
Interestingly enough, begonias are often thought of as garden flowers. I envision a large garden bed filled with wax begonias. But as I grew as a gardener and started learning more about the different varieties of begonias, I’ve realized there is way more to them the the small waxy garden flower.
Begonias grow quite beautifully in containers, and many gardeners don’t take advantage of the portability that container gardening allows! So if you are short on space, or if you want to bring their brilliant flowers closer so you can really enjoy their intricacies, here’s some of my top tips for planting your begonias in containers this season!
Begonias are some of the most popular flowering plants for containers and hanging baskets. With gorgeous blooms in shades of red, pink, white, orange and yellow, these beauties bring nonstop color to patio pots all season long.
But when planting begonias in pots, don’t just tuck them in solo. You can create even more beautiful and productive container displays by combining begonias with companion plants.
Certain companion plants help make begonias thrive. Others complement their appearance or provide practical benefits. Here are 10 winning companion plant pairings for stunning potted begonia displays.
1. Impatiens
Impatiens are arguably the most popular annual flowers for shady containers Their brightly colored blooms come in single or double forms, in hues like red, coral, pink, purple, orange and white
In pots impatiens make perfect partners for begonias The two plants share preferences for rich moist, well-drained soil and filtered sunlight
When combined in containers, impatiens and begonias beautifully complement each other. Busy impatiens flowers contrast nicely against begonias’ larger, more delicate blooms. Try combining colors like purple impatiens with pink or white begonias for a pretty pairing.
2. Coleus
Coleus is treasured for its stunningly colorful foliage which ranges from chartreuse to deep burgundy. Its dramatic leaves pop against the blooms of begonias.
Both coleus and begonias thrive in partial sun with regular moisture. That makes them ideal potted plant companions
Use coleus with deep red or purple leaves to really make begonia colors sparkle. Fringed and lacy leaved coleus also pair nicely with begonias’ rounded leaves, adding nice contrast.
3. Sweet Alyssum
Sweet alyssum is a fast-growing annual that blooms prolifically in pots. A cloud of tiny white flowers covers these plants from summer through fall. The blooms also have a delicate, honey-like fragrance.
Plus, alyssum attracts beneficial pollinators. Combine this trailing plant with upright begonias to get a full container display. White alyssum helps soften and accent bold begonias. Its low, spreading habit contrasts beautifully with begonias’ taller, bushy form.
4. Calibrachoa
Also called million bells, calibrachoa produces hundreds of tiny petunia-like blooms on trailing stems. These heat and drought-tolerant plants bloom nonstop alongside begonias.
Their mounding form and profuse blooms complement begonias’ upright shape and larger blossoms. Calibrachoas come in many bright colors like cherry red, blue, yellow and bicolors. Use them to add color accents and texture interest.
5. Ivy Geraniums
Ivy leaf geraniums are wonderful trailing companions for upright begonias in pots. Their cascading stems pair perfectly with the upright form of begonias.
Floriferous ivy geraniums bloom abundantly, producing colorful flowers in shades of red, pink, white and salmon. They share begonias’ preference for frequent watering and fertilizing.
Include ivy geraniums in mixed containers to add flowing accents around begonias. Or let them spill gracefully over the edges of hanging baskets paired with trailing begonias.
6. Flowering Maple
Flowering maple varieties, also called abutilons, make eye-catching companions for begonias. Their large, dangling, bell-shaped blooms and gorgeous mapled-shaped leaves beautifully complement other begonias.
Mix colors like apricot flowering maple with red or yellow begonias for stunning combinations. Flowering maples thrive in the same partly shaded conditions as begonias.
7. Angel Wing Begonias
For interesting begonia pairings, plant other ornamental begonia varieties together. Mixing several types creates beautiful displays that showcase the diversity of begonia forms.
Angel wing begonias complement other begonias with their huge, slightly ruffled blooms on red stems. Their abundant clusters of pink or white flowers beautifully accent standard wax and tuberous varieties.
8. Polka Dot Plant
Grown for its vividly speckled and veined foliage, polka dot plant is a fun accent plant for pairing with begonias. Its relatively compact size also makes it ideal for planting toward the front of containers and planters.
Polka dot plant’s leaf colors range from chartreuse to fuchsia and deep purple, so it can be coordinated with many begonia varieties. Use it to add colorful contrast in shaded pots.
9. Ferns
Ferns are a perennial favorite companion for potted begonias. Their graceful, lacy fronds contrast beautifully with begonias’ larger, bolder leaves and flowers.
Shade-loving ferns help keep container soils cooler and provide shelter and humidity that begonias appreciate. Plant bushy, mounding ferns alongside upright begonias. Let trailing ferns spill over pot edges to accent cascading varieties.
10. Pansies
Pansies are a top pick for pairing with cool weather-loving begonias. As one of the best flowers for winter containers, pansies thrive when it’s cold out.
They bloom abundantly in a wide range of cheery colors. When combined in fall and winter pots, pansies and begonias create vivid, colorful displays. Pansies nicely complement begonias’ less-hardy nature.
More Tips for Pairing Begonias in Pots
When combining begonias with companion plants, choose varieties with similar sunlight and water requirements. Most companions do best in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
Aim for interesting contrasts between begonias and companions. Mix colors, textures, heights and growth habits for eye-catching appeal.
Give plants adequate spacing in containers for good air circulation and growth. Fertilize regularly to support the increased demands of multiple plants sharing limited root space.
With smart pairing, you can create gorgeous potted begonia ensembles that boost growth, attract pollinators and bring out the best in these flowering favorites. Just add other plants with care, and enjoy the beautiful results all season!
Overwinter in Cold Climates
Begonia should be rearranged for the whole winter in a dark, cool place.
The final thing I will discuss for the mechanics of growing container begonias is overwintering. Many people keep begonias in the house as houseplants year round. Angel wing begonias are houseplants with beautiful white flowers, that are quite commonly kept indoors. So it is entirely possible to bring your favorite begonia inside for the winter.
If you have a begonia in a small pot simply bring it into a bright indirect sunny location. Don’t fertilize and ease up on the water in the winter months.
For a container with a begonia in it, you will need to dig up the begonia and place it into a smaller pot. Use fresh potting soil and give it good water. Then place it inside in a bright indirect sunlight location.
Be very careful when deciding to over winter your begonias. Do not bring them in if they, or any plants near them, show any signs of pests and disease. Trust me, it is not worth it bringing them into the house.
Also, I don’t talk much about potting soil quality for outdoor containers. But for indoor plants, I recommend getting a higher quality indoor potting mix (high quality=more expensive). I cheaped out one year and my whole house was infested with little annoying fungus gnats.
Pick The Right Location
The best place for representatives of the begonia genus is the window sills of windows facing east or west.
When it comes to in ground gardening I usually tell a client to buy a plant or flower you love, then we can find a place to put it. Most gardens have pockets of sun and shade and everything in between.
But when it comes to a container, the location is usually set. Like at the front door for curb appeal. Or on the patio so you can sit and enjoy them. There isn’t much wiggle room for where it makes sense for your container to be.
Begonias like to be in sheltered location. A cover deck, a front porch, and under a pergola are all great places for containers of begonias to be. Begonias do not withstand a lot of wind whipping at them, harsh rain/hail, or harsh sun. So if these are the conditions your containers are in, you may have to rethink your planting plans.
Best Care Tips for Your BEGONIAS – Talking About Tuberous & Hiemalis Begonias
FAQ
Do begonias like the sun or shade?
Most begonias prefer partial to full shade with some varieties tolerating more sun. Generally, they thrive in bright, indirect sunlight or filtered shade, especially during the hottest part of the day.
Do begonias like shallow or deep pots?
Begonias have shallow root systems. Except for tall-growing canes and shrubs, they prefer shallow pots. Re-pot only to the next larger pot as begonias do not like overpotting.
Can I plant begonias and impatiens together?
With the interesting foliage and texture of begonias paired with the abundant flower power of Beacon Impatiens, it’s a combination that’s classically colorful.
Can you plant begonias and petunias together?
Petunias thrive in full sun and well-drained soil with consistent water. Avoid pairing them with plants that have vastly different growing needs. For example, shade-loving plants like impatiens and begonias will languish in the full sun needed for petunias.