Introduction
There is a unique kind of excitement that comes with seeing the first rose-like bloom of a tuberous begonia or the neon-patterned leaves of a Rex variety. These plants offer some of the most spectacular colors and textures in the plant world, and they have a reputation for turning a shady corner into a focal point. If you have ever admired their lush growth and wondered if you could replicate it in your own yard, you are in the right place.
At Longfield Gardens, we believe that every gardener can find success with these versatile plants. Whether you are looking to fill a hanging basket with cascading flowers or want to edge a garden path with steady color, begonias are a fantastic choice. They are often unfairly labeled as difficult, but once you understand their basic needs, they are actually quite predictable and rewarding.
This guide is designed for anyone who wants to demystify begonia care. We will look at the different types of begonias, what they need to thrive, and how to handle the most common care steps without any stress. By focusing on a few simple principles, you can enjoy these beautiful plants all season long.
Begonias are not inherently hard to grow; they simply require a gardener who understands how to match the right variety to the right location.
The Simple Truth About Growing Begonias
The short answer to whether begonias are hard to grow is: no, provided you choose the right type for your environment. Many people feel intimidated because there are thousands of begonia species and hybrids. However, for the home gardener, these usually fall into three main categories: wax begonias, tuberous begonias, and foliage begonias (like Rex).
The perceived difficulty often comes from trying to treat every begonia the same way. A wax begonia that loves the sun in a garden bed has very different needs than a Rex begonia kept as a houseplant. When you start by identifying which type you have, the care steps become much clearer.
Most gardening challenges with begonias come down to water and light. Because many begonias have succulent-like stems that store water, they are more sensitive to overwatering than many other annuals. If you can master the "deep soak and dry" method of watering, you have already won half the battle.
Key Takeaway Success with begonias starts with matching the plant’s specific needs—like humidity or light levels—to the environment you provide.
Wax Begonias: The Beginner's Best Friend
If you are looking for the easiest entry point into the world of begonias, look no further than the wax begonia (Begonia semperflorens). These are the sturdy, compact plants often found in garden centers in the spring. They are called "wax" begonias because of their glossy, succulent leaves, which help them retain moisture.
Wax begonias are incredibly resilient. They are one of the few plants that can truly thrive in both sun and partial shade, making them perfect for those transitional spots in your yard. Varieties like 'Surefire' or 'Double Up' are particularly vigorous, blooming nonstop from the moment you plant them until the first frost of autumn.
To get the most out of wax begonias, keep these simple steps in mind:
- Spacing: Plant them about 6 to 8 inches apart to allow for good air circulation as they fill in.
- Soil: They prefer loose, well-draining soil but are less fussy than their tuberous cousins.
- Maintenance: These are "self-cleaning" plants, which means they drop their old flowers naturally. You don’t need to spend time deadheading them.
Tuberous Begonias: High Reward with Simple Care
Tuberous begonias are the "showstoppers." They produce large, dramatic flowers that can look like roses, camellias, or carnations. While they may look like they require a professional greenhouse, they are actually quite straightforward once you understand their rhythm.
These plants grow from a dormant tuber, which looks like a small, brown, cupped disk. Because they are tropical in origin, they love warmth but cannot stand the harsh, direct midday sun. This makes them the perfect solution for brightening up a covered porch, a north-facing deck, or the dappled shade under a large tree.
Choosing the Right Tuberous Variety
We offer several types of tuberous begonias at Longfield Gardens, and picking the right one depends on where you want to grow it.
- Upright Begonias: These grow in a mounded shape and are ideal for garden beds or the center of large pots. Look for 'Non-Stop' or 'Picotee' varieties for bold colors.
- Hanging/Cascading Begonias: Varieties like 'Illumination' or 'Odessa' have stems that naturally drape downward. These are designed specifically for hanging baskets where you want the flowers to trail over the edges.
Starting Tubers Indochors
In many parts of the United States, the growing season is a bit short for tuberous begonias to reach their full potential if planted directly outside. A simple "win" is to start your tubers indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost.
Place the tubers in a shallow tray of moist potting mix with the hollow side facing up. Keep them in a warm spot with indirect light. Once you see small pink or green sprouts, you can move them into their permanent pots. Waiting until the nights are consistently above 50°F before moving them outside is essential, as they are very sensitive to cold temperatures.
Foliage Stars: Rex and Rhizomatous Begonias
While many begonias are grown for their flowers, Rex begonias are grown for their leaves. These plants feature swirls of silver, purple, pink, and emerald green. They are popular as both houseplants and "thriller" plants in outdoor shade containers.
Rex begonias are often considered slightly more difficult because they crave humidity. If the air is too dry, the edges of their beautiful leaves can become brown and "crispy." However, you can easily manage this by grouping plants together or using a pebble tray.
For outdoor success with foliage begonias, focus on these environmental factors:
- Indirect Light: Direct sun will bleach the vibrant colors of the leaves. A spot with bright, reflected light is ideal.
- Airflow: While they like humidity, they also need air to move around them to prevent powdery mildew.
- Soil Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy.
What to Do Next
- Choose a spot that gets bright light but is protected from the hot afternoon sun.
- Select a high-quality potting mix that feels light and "fluffy" to ensure good drainage.
- Check the soil every few days by sticking your finger an inch deep; water only when it feels dry.
The Golden Rules of Watering and Drainage
If a gardener tells you their begonias didn't make it, the culprit is almost always water. "Drainage" is a word gardeners use a lot, but it simply means how fast water leaves the soil. Begonias have thick, fleshy stems that store a lot of liquid. If they sit in water that cannot escape the pot, those stems and the roots will begin to rot.
To water correctly, follow the "deep, then dry" principle. Water the plant thoroughly until you see liquid coming out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Then, do not water again until the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This encourages the roots to grow deeper into the pot in search of moisture, making the plant stronger.
Avoid watering the leaves directly whenever possible. Water trapped on the foliage can lead to fungal issues like powdery mildew. Instead, aim the spout of your watering can at the base of the plant, near the soil line.
Soil and Fertilizer: Feeding Your Begonias
Begonias are hungry plants. Because they bloom so prolifically or produce such large leaves, they need a steady supply of nutrients. However, a "less is more" approach works best with fertilizer.
When planting, use a high-quality potting mix. These mixes usually contain peat moss or perlite, which helps the soil stay aerated. Avoid using heavy garden soil in pots, as it packs down too tightly and prevents the roots from getting the oxygen they need.
For feeding, a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer works wonders. You can apply it at half-strength every two weeks during the peak growing season (June through August). If you notice the plant is producing lots of green leaves but no flowers, switch to a fertilizer with a higher phosphorus count, which is often labeled as a "bloom booster".
Right Plant, Right Place: Light Requirements
Matching your begonia to the light in your yard is the simplest way to ensure it isn't "hard" to grow.
- Deep Shade: This is an area that receives no direct sunlight and may be quite dark. Only a few varieties will thrive here; most will become "leggy" (stretched out) as they reach for light.
- Dappled or Filtered Shade: This is the gold standard for most begonias. Think of the light under a leafy tree or a porch with a lattice screen.
- Morning Sun, Afternoon Shade: This is perfect for tuberous begonias. The cool morning sun provides energy, while the afternoon shade protects the delicate petals from wilting in the heat.
- Full Sun: Only specific wax begonias, usually those with bronze-colored leaves, can handle full sun in most climates. Even then, they will need more frequent watering than those in the shade.
Handling Common Challenges
Even the most experienced gardeners run into a few hiccups. The key is to respond calmly and make one change at a time.
Why Are the Flowers Falling Off?
If your begonia looks healthy but is dropping its flower buds before they open, it is usually a sign of stress. This often happens during a sudden heatwave or if the soil has gone completely dry for too long. Ensure the plant is in a sheltered spot away from drying winds and keep the moisture levels consistent.
What Is This White Powder on the Leaves?
This is likely powdery mildew, a common fungal issue. It usually happens when the air is stagnant and the leaves stay wet. You can improve air circulation by moving pots a bit further apart and ensuring you only water at the soil level. If it persists, many gardeners use a simple spray of neem oil or a mixture of water and baking soda to keep it under control.
My Plant Is Getting Too Tall and Sparse
If your begonia looks "stretched," it is telling you it needs more light. You can simply pinch back the tips of the stems with your fingers. This encourages the plant to grow side branches, resulting in a fuller, bushier shape. Move the pot to a slightly brighter location to prevent it from happening again.
Overwintering: Saving Your Begonias for Next Year
One of the best things about begonias is that you don't have to buy new ones every year if you don't want to. While they are treated as annuals in most of the U.S., they are actually perennials that can live for many years.
For tuberous begonias, the process is easy:
- Late Fall: When the leaves begin to turn yellow after the first light frost, stop watering.
- Lifting: Gently dig up the tubers. The stems should pull away easily once they are dry.
- Storage: Brush off the excess soil and place the tubers in a box of peat moss or sawdust.
- Cool and Dry: Store the box in a cool, dark, frost-free place (like a basement or crawlspace) until spring.
Wax begonias and Rex begonias can be brought indoors and kept as houseplants during the winter. They may not bloom as much during the dark winter months, but they will stay alive and be ready to head back outside once the weather warms up.
Designing with Begonias
Because begonias come in so many colors and forms, they are a designer’s dream. You can create high-impact displays by following a few simple pairing rules.
In shade containers, use the "Thriller, Filler, Spiller" method. An upright tuberous begonia or a tall Rex begonia makes an excellent "thriller" (the focal point). Surround it with "fillers" like ferns or coleus. Finally, use a cascading begonia or a trailing vine like ivy as the "spiller" to soften the edges of the pot.
In garden beds, wax begonias look best when planted in large "drifts" or groups. Planting a single begonia here and there can look a bit lonely. Instead, plant ten or twenty in a curved line to create a ribbon of color that draws the eye through the garden.
Key Takeaway Begonias are incredibly versatile. By choosing varieties with different heights and habits, you can create a professional-looking garden with very little effort.
Growing Begonias in Different Climates
While we ship our bulbs and plants from our facility in New Jersey, we know our customers live in many different climates. Your local weather will dictate how "hard" begonias feel to grow.
- In the North: Your main challenge is the short growing season. Starting tubers indoors is the best way to ensure you get a full summer of blooms.
- In the South: Your challenge is the heat and humidity. Begonias will need deep shade during the afternoon and very careful attention to watering, as they can wilt quickly in 90-degree weather.
- In Dry Climates: Humidity is your focus. Grouping plants together and using organic mulch on the soil surface can help keep the environment moist enough for the plants to thrive.
Regardless of where you live, remember that weather is variable. A particularly rainy summer might mean you water less often, while a dry, windy summer means checking your pots every morning.
Summary of Success
Growing begonias shouldn't feel like a chore. It is a rewarding hobby that brings incredible color to the parts of your yard where other flowers might struggle. By following the simple rules of "Right Plant, Right Place," and mastering the balance of water and light, you will find that begonias are among the most reliable plants in your collection.
Remember that gardening is a journey of observation. Every season, you will learn a little more about how the plants respond to your specific yard and microclimate. Don't be afraid to move a pot or try a new variety.
We stand behind the quality of our plants at Longfield Gardens and want you to feel confident as you start your begonia journey. With a little bit of patience and the right basics in place, you can enjoy a season filled with lush foliage and stunning blooms.
Final Action Plan
- Start Simple: If you are a beginner, begin with wax begonias for beds or ‘Non-Stop’ tuberous begonias for pots.
- Check Drainage: Always ensure your containers have holes and your soil is airy.
- Monitor Light: Give them bright, indirect light for the best color and flower production.
- Water Wisely: Let the soil dry slightly between waterings to keep the roots healthy.
FAQ
Are begonias better in sun or shade?
Most begonias prefer partial shade or filtered sunlight. While wax begonias with bronze leaves can handle a fair amount of sun, tuberous and Rex begonias can suffer from leaf scorch if exposed to harsh, direct afternoon light. A spot that receives gentle morning sun followed by afternoon shade is usually the best "middle ground" for almost all types.
Can I grow begonias as houseplants year-round?
Yes, many varieties, particularly Rex and Rhizomatous begonias, make excellent houseplants. They thrive in the consistent temperatures found inside a home. The main challenge indoors is low humidity, so keeping them in a naturally humid room like a kitchen or bathroom, or using a pebble tray with water, will help keep their foliage looking vibrant.
Why are the leaves on my begonia turning brown at the edges?
Brown, "crispy" edges are usually a sign of low humidity or underwatering. If the plant is indoors, try increasing the moisture in the air. If it is outdoors, it may be getting too much wind or direct sun, which causes the leaves to lose moisture faster than the roots can replace it. Moving the plant to a more sheltered, shadier spot often resolves the issue.
Do I need to dig up my begonia tubers every winter?
If you live in USDA hardiness zones 8 or colder, begonia tubers will not survive the winter in the ground. To keep them for next year, you should lift them after the first light frost has killed back the foliage. However, in zones 9 through 11, begonias can often stay in the ground year-round, though you should still reduce watering during their dormant winter period to prevent the tubers from rotting in cold, wet soil.
