Hostas and Begonias complement each other wonderfully to create attractive and unusual garden or patio planters. Many different varieties of hosta can be used in planters depending on what kind of look you want to create. Some hostas look good with red or pink begonias and some hostas look better with white begonias. Experiment for the look that fits your area. 

Hosta is a slow growing clump-forming ground cover and foliage plant for partial sun to full shade areas. They are long lived reliable plants that are easy to grow and offer dramatic foliage as well as attractive and sometimes sweet-smelling flowers. 

Tall lavender or white flower spikes rise above the foliage in summer and early fall. The big leaves are bold, sometimes wavy-edged, in rich shades of green, blue green, gold, and variegated combinations. Sizes range from compact dwarfs to giant clumps 5 feet across. Plant in spring, late summer or early fall in well-drained soil.

Wax Begonias are indispensable bedding plants. Few plants are more reliable then wax begonias for producing nonstop flowers on easy-care plants in bright or shady locations. There are many varieties of begonias producing red, scarlet, pink, rose or white flowers. Their attractive waxy leaves may be green, bronze or brownish. Most of the begonia varieties produce weather-resistant, compact plants, making them excellent for use in edgings, mass plantings, window boxes and in planters or containers. Begonias can also be grown as indoor plants.

Most wax begonias do best in partial shade. In deep shade begonias stretch and flower poorly. Bronze-leafed varieties tolerate heat and sun best. They prefer rich, moist well-drained soil. If cut back by one-third and potted up in the fall, begonias will bloom indoors all winter. Actually wax begonias are tender perennials.