Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Understanding Begonia Types for Outdoor Success
- When to Plant Begonias Outside
- Right Plant, Right Place: Choosing the Best Spot
- How to Plant Begonia Tubers Outside
- Caring for Outdoor Begonias
- Protecting Your Plants from the Elements
- Bringing Begonias Back Inside
- Companion Planting with Begonias
- Why We Love Growing Begonias
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Introduction
Imagine stepping onto your porch or into a shaded corner of your yard and being greeted by a lush wall of rose-like blooms and vibrant, patterned foliage. Begonias are the quiet heroes of the shade garden, offering a level of color and variety that few other plants can match. Whether you are looking for trailing flowers for a hanging basket or sturdy bedding plants for a border, begonias are a fantastic choice for any home gardener.
At Longfield Gardens, we want to help you feel confident in your gardening journey. This guide is designed for anyone wondering if their favorite indoor plant can make the transition to the great outdoors; for a broader overview, see our All About Begonias. We will cover the best timing for planting, how to choose the right spot, and the simple steps you can take to keep your begonias thriving until the first frost.
Understanding the needs of these tropical beauties is the first step toward a successful growing season. By matching the right variety to your specific garden conditions, you can enjoy nonstop color from early summer through late autumn. Most begonias can live outside quite happily as long as the weather is warm and they have protection from the harsh afternoon sun.
Understanding Begonia Types for Outdoor Success
Before you move your plants into the garden, it helps to know which type of begonia you have. While all begonias share a love for warm weather, different varieties have slightly different preferences for light and soil. Identifying your plant ensures you give it exactly what it needs to flourish.
Tuberous Begonias
These are often the stars of the summer garden. They grow from firm, round tubers and produce large, spectacular flowers that often resemble roses or camellias. We specialize in providing high-quality tubers because they produce the most vigorous plants and the most abundant blooms. Upright varieties are perfect for garden beds and window boxes, while trailing types are designed to spill beautifully over the edges of hanging baskets.
Wax Begonias
Wax begonias are the workhorses of the bedding plant world. You can recognize them by their glossy, succulent-like leaves and small, prolific flowers in shades of red, pink, and white. These are incredibly versatile and can handle a bit more sun than their tuberous cousins. They stay relatively compact, making them an excellent choice for edging a walkway or filling in gaps in a perennial border.
Rex and Rhizomatous Begonias
While these are often kept as houseplants, they can be stunning additions to a summer shade garden. These varieties are grown primarily for their foliage. Rex begonias offer dramatic patterns in silver, purple, and burgundy. Rhizomatous begonias have thick stems that grow along the soil surface. Both types bring a unique texture and sophisticated look to container gardens and sheltered garden spots.
Cane-Like or Angel Wing Begonias
These begonias have upright, woody stems that look a bit like bamboo. Their leaves are often shaped like wings and may feature beautiful silver spots. In the right outdoor conditions, Begonia Upright Double Bertini can grow quite large and produce dangling clusters of heart-shaped flowers. They add height and drama to large patio pots.
When to Plant Begonias Outside
Timing is everything when it comes to tropical plants. Because begonias are native to warm climates, they have no tolerance for frost or cold soil. Moving them outside too early is one of the few ways to truly discourage their growth.
The 50-Degree Rule
The most important rule for planting begonias outside is to wait for the right temperature. Nighttime temperatures should consistently stay above 50°F before you move your plants or tubers outdoors. If the soil is still cold and damp, the roots or tubers may struggle to get started. In many regions, this means waiting until late May or even early June.
Watching the Weather
Soil temperature matters just as much as air temperature. Ideally, the soil should be around 60°F. If you live in a cooler climate, the wait can be exciting as you watch the rest of your garden wake up. Using this time to prepare your pots or garden beds ensures that everything is ready when the warmth finally arrives.
Starting Early Indoors
If you want a head start on the blooming season, you can start your begonia tubers indoors about eight to twelve weeks before the last frost. This gives the plants time to develop a strong root system and even a few leaves before they ever face the outdoor elements. By the time the weather is warm enough to move them outside, they will be ready to start flowering much sooner than tubers planted directly in the ground.
Right Plant, Right Place: Choosing the Best Spot
A successful garden starts with matching what the plant needs to the spot you have. Begonias are famous for their love of shade, but "shade" can mean many things.
Managing Light Levels
Most begonias prefer filtered light or dappled shade. Imagine the light under a tall tree or on a porch that gets morning sun but stays cool in the afternoon. Direct, harsh afternoon sun can scorch the leaves and cause the flowers to wilt. However, begonias do need some light to produce blooms. If the spot is too dark, the plants may become leggy and produce fewer flowers.
As a general rule, wax begonias with bronze foliage can handle more sun than those with green leaves. Tuberous begonias are the most sensitive to heat and should be kept in a spot that stays relatively cool during the hottest part of the day.
Soil and Drainage
"Drainage" simply means how fast water leaves the soil. Begonias love moisture, but they hate sitting in soggy ground. If you are planting in the ground, look for a spot where water doesn't puddle after a rainstorm. If your soil is heavy clay, you can improve it by adding organic matter like compost or finely ground bark.
For container gardening, always use a high-quality potting mix and ensure your pots have plenty of drainage holes. Begonias in pots are much easier to manage because you can move them around to find the perfect balance of light and protection.
Key Takeaway: For the best results, place your begonias where they will receive gentle morning sun and protection from the intense heat of the afternoon.
How to Plant Begonia Tubers Outside
If you are planting dormant tubers directly into your garden or a container, a few simple steps—outlined in our How Do You Plant Begonias guide—will set you up for success.
Identifying the Top
When you look at a begonia tuber, you will notice one side is slightly indented or bowl-shaped. This is the top. The sprouts will grow from this hollow area. The rounded side is the bottom, where the roots will form.
Planting Depth and Spacing
- Prepare the soil: Loosen the soil in your planting area or fill your container with moist potting mix.
- Placement: Place the tuber in the hole with the indented side facing up.
- Depth: Cover the tuber with no more than one inch of soil. Planting them too deep can make it difficult for the sprouts to reach the surface.
- Spacing: Space tubers about 8 to 12 inches apart to allow for airflow and room to grow.
- Watering: Water lightly right after planting to help settle the soil, but do not soak the area until you see the first sprouts emerge.
What to Do Next
- Check for sprouts every few days; they usually appear in two to four weeks.
- Once leaves appear, begin a regular watering schedule.
- Keep the area free of weeds so the young begonias don't have to compete for nutrients.
Caring for Outdoor Begonias
Once your begonias are established in their outdoor home, they are relatively low-maintenance. A little consistent care will keep them looking their best throughout the summer.
Watering Correctly
Water is the most important part of begonia care. The goal is to keep the soil "evenly moist." This means the soil should feel like a wrung-out sponge—damp but not dripping. The best approach is to water deeply and then let the top inch or two of soil dry out before watering again.
Avoid getting water directly on the leaves or in the center of the plant, as this can lead to fungal issues. Watering early in the morning allows any moisture on the foliage to dry quickly in the sun.
Feeding for Better Blooms
Begonias are "heavy feeders," meaning they use a lot of energy to produce those constant flowers. Applying a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks will give them the nutrients they need. If you are growing tuberous begonias, you can start with a fertilizer higher in nitrogen to help the plant grow big and strong, then switch to a bloom-boosting formula once you see the first buds.
The Role of Deadheading
Non Stop Begonias are "self-cleaning," meaning the old flowers fall off on their own. However, for tuberous begonias, removing the spent blooms and any yellowing leaves keeps the plant looking tidy and prevents mold from growing on old tissue.
Protecting Your Plants from the Elements
Gardening outside means dealing with the unpredictable nature of the weather. While begonias are sturdy, they do benefit from a little extra protection during extreme events.
Dealing with Heavy Rain
Extended periods of heavy rain can be tough on begonias. Because their stems are often succulent and full of water, they can become heavy and snap in high winds or downpours. If you have begonias in containers, you might consider moving them under a roof or into a garage during a big storm. For plants in the ground, ensure the drainage is excellent so they don't sit in water for too long.
Heat Waves
During a heat wave, begonias may look a bit stressed. You might notice the leaves drooping slightly in the afternoon. This is often the plant's way of protecting itself. Resist the urge to overwater during the heat of the day. Instead, check the soil in the evening or early morning. If it’s dry, give them a good drink then. Adding a thin layer of mulch around the base of the plants can help keep the roots cool and retain moisture.
Managing Garden Visitors
Insects like mealybugs or aphids can sometimes find their way to your begonias. Often, being outdoors helps because natural predators like ladybugs are around to help. If you do notice a problem, a gentle spray of insecticidal soap usually does the trick. Always follow the label instructions and apply treatments in the cool of the evening to avoid leaf burn.
Bringing Begonias Back Inside
As the summer winds down, you have a choice to make. Most begonias are treated as annuals in the United States, meaning they are enjoyed for one season and then replaced. However, if you have a favorite plant, you can certainly save it for next year.
Overwintering Potted Begonias
If your begonias are in pots, you can simply bring the whole container inside before the first frost. Move them to a bright window and treat them like houseplants. They may lose a few leaves as they adjust to the lower humidity and different light levels of your home, but they will usually recover within a few weeks.
Saving Tuberous Begonias
Tuberous begonias can be saved by "lifting" the tubers. When the leaves start to turn yellow in late autumn, stop watering and let the foliage die back. Once the first light frost hits, dig up the tubers and cut off the remaining stems. Let the tubers dry in a cool, dark place for a few days, then store them in a box filled with peat moss or sawdust. Keep the box in a cool (about 50°F), dry area until next spring.
What to Do Next:
- Monitor the forecast for the first frost date in your area.
- Decide which plants you want to keep and which will go to the compost pile.
- Prepare a cool, dry storage spot for any tubers you plan to save. If you need help matching plants to your climate, start with the Hardiness Zone Map.
Companion Planting with Begonias
Begonias look even better when they are part of a community. Choosing plants with similar needs creates a cohesive look and makes maintenance easier.
Shade-Loving Friends
Pair begonias with other plants that thrive in dappled light. Hostas provide a beautiful leafy backdrop, while ferns add a delicate, airy texture. For a pop of different color, consider Coleus, which comes in almost every color imaginable and shares the begonia's love for warm, moist soil.
Texture and Height
In a large container, use the "thriller, filler, spiller" method. A tall cane begonia like Begonia Upright Double Bertini can be your "thriller" (the centerpiece). Wax begonias or rex begonias act as "fillers" to add bulk and color. Finally, trailing begonias or something like creeping Jenny can be your "spiller," cascading over the sides of the pot.
Why We Love Growing Begonias
Gardening is a journey of discovery, and begonias are some of the most rewarding companions you can choose. They ask for very little—just some shade, a bit of water, and a warm breeze—and in return, they provide months of spectacular color. At Longfield Gardens, we believe that everyone can create a beautiful outdoor space, regardless of how much sun their yard gets.
Whether you are planting a few wax begonias along a walkway or hanging a lush basket of tuberous begonias like Begonia Hanging Pink Balcony on your porch, these plants bring a touch of the tropics to your home. They remind us that even the shaded corners of our lives can be full of vibrant beauty.
FAQ
When is it safe to put begonias outside?
You should only move begonias outside when the danger of frost has passed and nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50°F. These plants are native to tropical regions and can be damaged by cold air or chilly soil. In many parts of the U.S., the safest time to plant is late May or early June.
Can begonias handle full sun?
Most begonias prefer partial shade or filtered light, especially in the afternoon. However, wax begonias with bronze-colored leaves are more tolerant of sunlight than green-leaved varieties. If you live in a cooler northern climate, your begonias may handle more sun than they would in the hot, humid South.
Do begonias need to be deadheaded?
While many wax begonias are self-cleaning and drop their old flowers naturally, tuberous begonias benefit from deadheading. Removing spent blooms and any yellowing leaves keeps the plant looking neat and helps prevent fungal diseases. If you want a broader refresher, see our How and Why to Deadhead Flowers. Simply snip or pinch off the faded flower just below its base.
Should I dig up my begonias for winter?
In USDA hardiness zones 9-11, begonias can often stay in the ground year-round. In colder zones (3-8), they will not survive the winter outdoors. You can either treat them as annuals and replace them next year or dig up tuberous begonias to store the tubers in a cool, dry place until spring.
Conclusion
Planting begonias outside is a simple way to bring life and energy to the shaded areas of your property. By waiting for warm weather, choosing a spot with well-drained soil, and providing protection from the midday sun, you can ensure your plants stay healthy and vibrant all season long. Remember that gardening is meant to be an enjoyable experience, and begonias are among the most forgiving and beautiful plants to work with.
- Wait for consistent 50°F nights before planting.
- Ensure your pots or garden beds have excellent drainage.
- Feed your plants every two weeks for maximum blooms.
- Enjoy the nonstop color from summer until the first frost.
"The beauty of begonias lies in their versatility; they can transform a dim corner into a glowing focal point with almost no effort."
If you are ready to start your own shade garden masterpiece, we invite you to explore the wide variety of premium tubers and plants available at Longfield Gardens. Happy planting!