Introduction
There is a unique kind of excitement that comes with choosing the perfect flowers for a shady corner of the yard. For many of us, begonias are the go-to solution because they offer a brilliant splash of color and lush foliage where other plants might struggle to grow. Whether you are filling a classic window box or tucking them into a garden bed, these plants are celebrated for their reliability and charm.
The question of whether begonias are annuals is one of the most common topics we encounter at Longfield Gardens. In most parts of the United States, gardeners treat them as annuals, enjoying their beauty for a single season and then starting fresh the following spring. However, the botanical reality is a bit more interesting and offers a rewarding opportunity for those who want to keep their plants for more than one year. If you are ready to shop, explore the Non Stop Begonias collection.
In this guide, we will explore the different types of begonias and explain why they are classified the way they are. You will learn how to identify which varieties you have and how to care for them so they thrive in your specific climate. We will also walk through the simple steps for saving your plants over the winter if you choose to grow them as perennials.
Ultimately, while begonias are botanically perennials, their sensitivity to cold means they are most often grown as annuals in temperate climates.
Defining the Annual vs. Perennial Question
To understand if your begonias are annuals, it helps to distinguish between a plant’s natural life cycle and how it behaves in your backyard. In the world of gardening, an "annual" is a plant that completes its entire life cycle—from seed to flower to seed—in one growing season. A "perennial," on the other hand, is a plant that lives for three or more years, often going dormant during the winter and returning in the spring.
Begonias are naturally perennials. They are native to tropical and subtropical regions in South America, Africa, and Asia, where the weather stays warm all year. In those environments, they don't die back because of frost; they simply keep growing or take a brief rest during a dry season. Because they cannot survive freezing temperatures, gardeners in most of the U.S. treat them as "tender perennials" or "annuals."
This means you have a choice. You can enjoy the simplicity of the annual approach, letting the plants go at the end of the season. Or, you can take a few extra steps to protect them from the cold, allowing them to return year after year. Both methods are successful, and the right choice depends entirely on how much time you want to spend in the garden.
How Your Location Influences the Label
The climate where you live is the biggest factor in determining how you will grow your begonias. Gardeners use USDA hardiness zones to understand which plants can survive the winter in their area. These zones are based on the average minimum winter temperature.
For begonias, the magic numbers are usually found in zones 9 through 11. In these warm, frost-free regions, begonias can stay in the ground year-round. They will behave like any other perennial, perhaps slowing down their growth in the winter but remaining alive and ready to bloom again when the days lengthen.
If you live in zones 2 through 8, the winter temperatures will drop well below what a begonia can handle. In these areas, the plants will perish if left outdoors during the first hard frost. This is why the vast majority of American gardeners view them as annuals. However, because we ship our plants based on your specific zone, we ensure they arrive at the ideal time for planting in your local soil.
Key Takeaway: Begonias are tropical perennials that are only "annuals" because of the cold winter weather in most U.S. regions.
Understanding the Different Types of Begonias
Not all begonias are the same, and knowing which type you have is the first step in deciding how to grow them. The way a begonia grows its roots tells you a lot about its needs and its ability to survive the winter. For an overview of the main types of begonias, see our growing guide.
Tuberous Begonias
These are often the stars of the shade garden. Tuberous begonias grow from a thick, potato-like root called a tuber. They are known for having large, spectacular flowers that can look like roses, camellias, or carnations. Varieties like the Nonstop series or the cascading Illumination series belong to this group. Because they have a storage organ (the tuber), they are the easiest type to save from year to year. You can compare upright options in the Upright Double Begonias collection.
Wax Begonias (Fibrous)
Wax begonias are the classic bedding plants you see in parks and border edges. They have succulent stems and waxy, rounded leaves that are either green or a deep bronze. Their roots are thin and thread-like, which is why they are called "fibrous." These are almost always grown as annuals because they are very inexpensive and grow quickly from seed or small nursery starts.
Rex and Foliage Begonias
These begonias are grown primarily for their stunning leaves, which can feature swirls of silver, purple, pink, and deep green. They often grow from a rhizome, which is a thick stem that runs along the surface of the soil. While they can be grown outdoors in the summer, they are most commonly kept as year-round houseplants.
Cane Begonias
Often called "Angel Wing" begonias because of the shape of their leaves, these plants have tall, bamboo-like stems. Like Rex begonias, they are excellent candidates for transitioning between the summer garden and the indoor windowsill.
Why Many Gardeners Choose the Annual Path
There is a certain beauty in the simplicity of annual gardening. For many people, treats like begonias are a seasonal highlight, much like spring tulips or autumn pumpkins. Choosing to grow them as annuals offers several practical benefits.
First, growing them as annuals allows for variety. Every spring, you can choose a different color palette. One year you might want the fiery oranges and reds of the 'Nonstop Fire' variety, and the next you might prefer the soft, elegant whites of 'Nonstop White'. You can browse the Non Stop Begonias collection when planning next season's display.
Second, it saves time and space. Overwintering plants requires a place to store tubers or room for extra pots indoors. If you have a busy schedule or limited indoor light, simply letting the frost take the plants at the end of the season is a perfectly valid and stress-free way to garden. We work with trusted growers to ensure that every year, you have access to fresh, healthy plants that are ready to perform from day one.
The Rewarding Choice: Growing as a Perennial
If you find a particular begonia that you absolutely love, you don't have to say goodbye when the temperature drops. Saving your plants, a process known as overwintering, can be a fun way to sharpen your gardening skills. It is also a way to get larger, more impressive plants over time, as tuberous begonias often produce more flowers as the tuber grows larger each year.
The process of keeping begonias as perennials is different depending on the type of plant. It isn't a difficult task, but it does require a bit of timing and attention to detail.
Saving Tuberous Begonias
Since these plants grow from tubers, they have a built-in survival mechanism. In the fall, when the leaves start to yellow or after the first light frost, you can "lift" the tubers.
- Stop fertilizing: In late summer, stop feeding the plants to let them naturally slow down.
- Dig them up: Gently lift the tuber from the soil, being careful not to bruise it.
- Dry and cure: Let the tubers sit in a dry, shaded spot for about a week until the remaining stems fall off easily.
- Store safely: Place the clean tubers in a box with peat moss or sawdust. Keep them in a cool, dark place (about 45–50°F) until spring.
Saving Fibrous and Foliage Begonias
Because these don't have tubers, you can't just store them in a box. Instead, you can bring the entire plant inside. Many gardeners move their favorite wax or Rex begonias into decorative pots before the first frost. They make wonderful houseplants if placed in a bright window with indirect light. This allows you to enjoy their foliage all winter long before moving them back outside in May or June. For more container guidance, see this guide to growing begonias in pots.
What to Do Next:
- Identify if your begonias have tubers or fibrous roots.
- Decide if you have a cool, dark space for storage or a bright window for indoor growth.
- Mark your calendar for about two weeks before your area’s average first frost date to begin the transition.
Planting Basics for Success
Whether you are planting fresh tubers each year or restarting your saved ones, getting the basics right will ensure the best bloom. Begonias are not demanding, but they do have specific preferences when it comes to their "home" in your garden.
Timing is Everything
The most common mistake with begonias is planting them too early. They are truly tropical plants and have no tolerance for cold soil. Wait until the danger of frost has completely passed and the nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50°F. If you want a head start, you can sprout your tubers indoors in pots about six to eight weeks before the last frost. The All About Begonias guide offers additional planting advice.
Right Plant, Right Place
"Drainage" is a word you will hear often in gardening. It simply refers to how fast water leaves the soil. Begonias love moisture, but they hate sitting in "wet feet" (soggy soil). Ensure your garden bed or containers have plenty of holes and well-aerated soil.
In terms of light, most begonias prefer dappled shade or morning sun with afternoon protection. The hot, intense sun of the mid-afternoon can scorch their leaves, especially in southern climates. If you have a very sunny spot, look for varieties like the 'Surefire' series, which are bred to handle more light than traditional types. For more guidance, read Where to Plant Begonias: Sun or Shade.
Spacing and Depth
When planting tuberous begonias, place the tuber about one inch below the soil surface with the hollow (indented) side facing up. Space them about 8 to 12 inches apart. This gives them enough room for air to circulate, which helps prevent common issues like powdery mildew (a white, dusty-looking fungus on the leaves).
Simple Care for Consistent Blooms
Once your begonias are in the ground, they are relatively low-maintenance. They don't require the constant "deadheading" (removing old flowers) that many other annuals do, as most modern varieties are self-cleaning. However, a little bit of attention goes a long way.
Water Correctly, Not Constantly
The goal is to keep the soil evenly moist. A good rule of thumb is to stick your finger into the soil; if the top inch feels dry, it is time to water. Try to water at the base of the plant rather than over the leaves. This keeps the foliage dry and reduces the chance of spots or fungus. The All About Begonias guide includes additional watering recommendations.
Feeding Your Plants
Because begonias bloom so much, they use a lot of energy. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer applied every two to four weeks during the peak of summer will keep the colors vibrant and the growth lush. If you are growing them in containers, they may need more frequent feeding, as nutrients wash out of pots more quickly than they do from the ground.
Realistic Expectations for Your Garden
It is important to remember that every garden is a unique environment. Your results with begonias will depend on your local weather, your soil quality, and how much shade your yard actually gets. A "shady" spot in Seattle is very different from a "shady" spot in Miami.
Be patient with your plants, especially at the beginning of the season. Begonias often start slowly while the soil is still warming up, but once the heat of mid-summer hits, they truly take off. If a plant isn't thriving, try changing just one thing—perhaps move the pot to a slightly shadier spot or adjust your watering schedule—and observe the results for a week.
At Longfield Gardens, we maintain a trial garden to evaluate how different varieties perform in real-world conditions. This helps us ensure that the plants we provide are suited for the success of home gardeners. We stand behind the quality of our bulbs and plants, and we want your gardening experience to be as rewarding as possible.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you notice your begonias aren't looking their best, the fix is usually simple. Lead with the correct environment, and the plant will often heal itself.
- Yellowing leaves: This is often a sign of too much water. Let the soil dry out a bit more between waterings and check that the pot is draining well.
- Tall, "leggy" stems: If the plants are reaching and look sparse, they likely need a bit more light. Move them to a spot with brighter, indirect light.
- Few flowers: This can happen if the plant is getting too much nitrogen (which grows leaves but not flowers) or if it is in too much deep shade. A flower-boosting fertilizer can help encourage more blooms.
Key Takeaway: Most begonia problems are solved by adjusting water or light. Small changes lead to big improvements.
Conclusion
Whether you choose to treat your begonias as annuals or perennials, they are a fantastic addition to any home landscape. They bridge the gap between simple care and high-impact beauty, providing color from early summer all the way to the first frost. By understanding their tropical nature, you can make the best decision for your lifestyle and your garden's needs.
The annual approach offers ease and the chance to experiment with new colors every year, while the perennial approach allows you to build a lasting relationship with your favorite plants. No matter which path you take, these versatile flowers will continue to be a favorite for their ability to light up the shade.
Begonias remind us that even the quietest, shadiest corners of the garden have the potential to be full of life and color.
If you are ready to start your begonia journey, we invite you to explore the Hanging Begonias collection and the Upright Double Begonias collection. We are here to support you with quality plants and practical advice every step of the way.
FAQ
Can I leave my begonias in the ground over winter?
You can only leave begonias in the ground if you live in USDA zones 9, 10, or 11, where the ground does not freeze. In all other regions, the cold winter temperatures will kill the roots, so you must either dig them up or treat them as annuals. The All About Begonias guide provides more information on zones and overwintering.
What is the easiest type of begonia to keep for next year?
Tuberous begonias are the easiest to save because they have a thick, bulb-like root that can be stored in a dormant state. You simply dig them up in the fall, dry them, and keep them in a cool, dark place until the following spring. The Non Stop Begonias collection offers tuberous options for future planting.
Do I need to remove dead flowers from my begonias?
Most modern begonias are "self-cleaning," meaning the old flowers fall off on their own. While you don't have to remove them to keep the plant blooming, many gardeners like to pick off spent blooms or yellowing leaves just to keep the plants looking neat and tidy.
Why did my begonias stop blooming in the middle of summer?
This usually happens because of extreme heat or inconsistent watering. Begonias may take a short break when temperatures are very high, but they will start blooming again once it cools down slightly; ensure they have enough shade and that the soil stays evenly moist during these heat waves. For placement advice, see Where Should Begonias Be Planted for Best Results.
