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The begonia is a much-loved perennial to have in a backyard. In addition to being easy to take care of, this plant has lovely flowers in many colors that make any room feel better. Even though begonias are beautiful when planted alone, there are some other flowers and shrubs that will look great with them and help them grow.
All gardeners agree that the best way to style a modern garden is to use plants that do well in the same conditions. This concept, also called “companion planting,” isn’t just about making it easier to give your plants everything they need; it’s also about choosing plants that help each other. Here are ten pairings that you can try in your own backyard to benefit your begonia blooms. Remember that begonias can’t handle frost, so if you live in a place that gets really cold in the winter, it’s best to bring these plants inside if they’re in containers!
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!
Violas (Image credit: Getty Images)
Violas are unique-looking, delicate flowers with petals that can have multiple colors. They bloom easily and can last for a long period of time. According to Andra Del Monico, lead interior designer at Trendey, violas add color and interest to the winter garden. They are some of the best flowers for bees and are good for the health of the garden. Planting violas next to begonias makes a lovely contrast that goes well with their soft flowers. Remember to ensure both plants get proper sunlight and well-drained soil, he adds. Corsican violet violas.
No. of seeds: 25 Price: $3
Ornamental cabbage (Image credit: TasnaiArt/Getty Images)
If you like plants with leaves instead of flowers, Gene says to put begonias with ornamental cabbages and kales because they make your backyard look nice in the winter. They come in rosette shapes and shades of green, white, and purple. He says that the softer shape of begonias can look good with them. Theyre also highly tolerant of cold weather and can survive frost, making them suitable for winter gardens. ’.
‘Ornamental cabbage offers magical foliage colors, such as purple, green, and white. It faces cool temperatures and puts texture into the winter garden, Andra adds. Plant ornamental cabbage beside begonias to create a visually satisfying arrangement. Ensure both plants have well-drained soil and get reasonable amounts of water. Flowering cabbage seeds.
No. of seeds: 50 Price: $16.56
Indoor Begonia Care Guide // Garden Answer
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