Begonias are stunning flowers that add a pop of color to any garden. With their vibrant blooms & unique foliage it’s no wonder so many gardeners fall in love with them. I know I did when I first planted them along my front walkway three years ago.
But begonias can be a bit picky about their neighbors. Some plants just don’t play well with these beauties, competing for resources or creating conditions that can stunt their growth. And trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way.
Last summer, I made the mistake of planting my begonias right next to some aggressive spreaders. By mid-July, my begonias were struggling, looking sad and wilted while their neighbors thrived. It was a gardening lesson I won’t soon forget.
So before you grab your trowel and start planting, let’s talk about which plants you should keep away from your precious begonias and why that matters.
Why Begonias Need Special Consideration
Begonias are moderately demanding plants with specific growing needs. They generally prefer partial shade, consistent moisture (but not soggy soil), and good drainage. Most varieties don’t tolerate extreme heat or direct afternoon sun very well.
What makes begonias tricky companion plants is their susceptibility to certain diseases and their specific soil requirements. They’re also not the most competitive plants in the garden – they can easily get bullied by more aggressive growers.
I once planted begonias in a mixed container with some vigorous trailing plants, thinking they’d make a beautiful combination. Within a month the begonias were completely overshadowed, receiving barely any light or nutrients.
Getting companion planting wrong with begonias doesn’t just mean less-than-ideal growth – it can lead to complete failure, disease issues or constant maintenance headaches. And nobody wants that, right?
Plants Not to Plant With Begonias
1. Mint and Other Aggressive Herbs
I love mint in my garden – who doesn’t want fresh mojitos in summer? But I’ve learned to keep it far away from my begonias. Mint is incredibly invasive with spreading roots that will quickly overtake the growing space.
Other aggressive herbs like oregano and lemon balm pose the same threat. They’ll compete fiercely for water and nutrients, leaving little for your begonias to thrive on. If you want herbs near your begonias stick with more contained options like basil or parsley in separate pots.
2. Sunflowers
Sunflowers might seem like cheerful garden companions but they’re terrible neighbors for begonias. These giants not only create too much shade as they grow taller but they also release chemicals into the soil that can inhibit the growth of nearby plants – a process called allelopathy.
On top of that sunflowers are heavy feeders that will steal nutrients your begonias need.
3. Tomatoes
Tomatoes and begonias both fall prey to similar fungal diseases, particularly powdery mildew. Planting them together basically creates a disease playground. My friend Sarah ignored this advice last year and ended up with a powdery mildew outbreak that spread from her tomatoes to her prized begonias in less than two weeks.
Tomatoes also need more sun than most begonias can tolerate. So you’d be compromising the needs of one or both plants by pairing them. Keep them in separate areas for the best results.
4. Marigolds
This one surprises many gardeners because marigolds are often recommended as companion plants. While they do keep away certain pests, marigolds prefer full sun and dry conditions – basically the opposite of what begonias want.
When I planted some marigolds near my wax begonias thinking I was being clever with pest control, I ended up with stressed begonias. The soil was too dry for them & they struggled all season. Sometimes good intentions lead to bad garden outcomes!
5. Plants That Need Acidic Soil
Begonias prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Plants that demand very acidic soil, like azaleas, rhododendrons and blueberries (which prefer pH 4.5-5.5), create a challenging growing environment.
If you try to accommodate the more acid-loving plants by adjusting soil pH your begonias will likely suffer from nutrient deficiencies. I’ve seen begonia leaves turn yellow when planted too close to acid-lovers – it’s not a pretty sight!
6. Thirsty Plants Like Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are water hogs. While begonias do like consistent moisture they don’t want soggy conditions. Plant them near hydrangeas and you’ll either underwater your hydrangeas or overwater your begonias.
I tried this combination on my partly shaded porch, thinking they’d be perfect together. The constant battle to keep both happy was exhausting. Eventually, I moved them to separate containers and both plants perked up almost immediately.
7. Zucchini and Squash Plants
These garden staples grow quickly and have large leaves that will overshadow your begonias. They also attract pests like powdery mildew that can spread to your begonias.
The sprawling growth habit of squash plants will quickly invade the begonia’s space. I’ve seen zucchini vines grow over 6 inches in a single day! That kind of aggressive growth is way too much for delicate begonias to compete with.
8. Geraniums
Geraniums & begonias might seem like they’d get along since they’re both popular in container gardens. However, geraniums prefer much drier conditions between waterings. The consistent moisture that begonias love will likely cause root rot in geraniums.
I’ve also noticed that when I tried to grow these together the geraniums always seemed to outcompete the begonias for nutrients. There was just something about the combination that never quite worked, despite their similar light requirements.
9. Tall Ornamental Grasses
Many ornamental grasses grow quite tall and can block crucial morning sun from reaching your begonias. They also tend to have extensive root systems that will compete with the more shallow-rooted begonias.
10. Succulents
This pairing is a classic case of opposite water needs. Succulents store water and prefer dry periods between watering, while begonias like consistent moisture. Plant them together & one or both will suffer.
I tried combining begonias with some small succulents in a mixed container once. It was a disaster – I couldn’t find a watering schedule that made both happy. Eventually, I had to separate them and both recovered quickly once their specific needs were met.
Good Companion Plants for Begonias
Now that we know what to avoid let’s talk about some plants that actually make great neighbors for your begonias:
- Impatiens – Similar light and water requirements make them perfect companions
- Coleus – Their colorful foliage complements begonia blooms without competing
- Ferns – They thrive in the same shady, humid conditions
- Caladiums – Their dramatic leaves make a stunning backdrop for begonia flowers
- Coral bells (Heuchera) – Their colorful foliage works well with begonias
I’ve had great success pairing my wax begonias with coleus in particular. The combination of colorful foliage and bright blooms is absolutely stunning from early summer through fall.
Tips for Successful Companion Planting With Begonias
- Group plants with similar watering needs – this is probably the most important factor for begonia success
- Consider height and spread so taller plants don’t shade begonias too much
- Pay attention to soil preferences – begonias like rich, well-draining soil
- Create microclimates in your garden for different plant groups rather than forcing incompatible plants together
- When in doubt, give begonias their own dedicated space or container
Final Thoughts
Growing beautiful begonias isn’t rocket science but it does require some thoughtful planning about their garden companions. The wrong neighbors can mean the difference between thriving plants with abundant blooms and sad, struggling specimens that never reach their potential.
Remember that different varieties of begonias (wax, tuberous, rex, etc.) have slightly different needs. So always consider the specific type you’re growing when planning your garden.
When I first started gardening I made the classic mistake of thinking plants were just, well, plants. I’d group them based on how pretty they looked together without considering their needs. My begonias suffered because of it. Now I know better, and my garden shows it.
So take it from someone who’s made the mistakes – keep your begonias away from aggressive spreaders, sun-lovers & plants with vastly different water requirements. Your begonias will reward you with lots of growth and beautiful blooms all season long.