Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Can You Plant Begonias in the Garden Bed?
- Choosing the Best Begonias for the Ground
- Finding the Perfect Spot: Light and Soil
- When to Move Your Begonias Outside
- Step-by-Step Guide to Planting in the Ground
- Essential Care for Ground-Grown Begonias
- What to Do at the End of the Season
- Common Myths About Planting Begonias in the Ground
- Designing with Begonias in the Landscape
- Realistic Expectations for Your Begonia Garden
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction
There is something truly magical about the moment a begonia bloom first unfurls its petals. Whether it is a soft, ruffly pink or a bold, electric orange, these flowers have a way of brightening up the quiet corners of a yard like nothing else. Many people think of begonias as plants only for hanging baskets or porch pots, but they are actually wonderful additions to our begonia collection for garden beds and borders.
At Longfield Gardens, we want to help you see how easy it is to bring that lush, tropical feel directly into your landscape. Planting begonias in the ground allows you to create sweeping drifts of color and interesting foliage textures that last from early summer right until the first frost. This guide is for any gardener who wants to transition these beautiful plants from the patio to the soil.
We will cover the best varieties for garden beds, how to prepare your soil, and the simple steps for planting. You will also learn how to keep them blooming all season long with minimal effort. With just a few basic tips, you can confidently use begonias to transform your garden into a vibrant retreat. For a broader overview, see our All About Begonias guide.
Can You Plant Begonias in the Garden Bed?
The short answer is a resounding yes. While begonias are famous for their performance in containers, they are equally at home in the ground. In fact, planting them in the garden often gives their roots more room to spread out, which can lead to larger plants and even more impressive displays of flowers.
Using begonias as bedding plants is a classic gardening technique. They are often used in mass plantings to create a "carpet" of color. Because they have a relatively uniform growth habit, they work perfectly for edging a walkway or filling in the gaps between larger shrubs. They are also one of the few plants that provide consistent, heavy blooming in areas that don't get much direct sunlight.
There are a few different types of begonias, and most of them can be planted in the ground successfully. The most common ones you will encounter are wax begonias and tuberous begonias. Wax begonias are often sold as small "plugs" or starts in the spring, while tuberous begonias grow from a thick, potato-like root called a tuber. Both types are excellent candidates for your garden soil.
Key Takeaway: Begonias are versatile enough to thrive in both pots and garden beds, making them an ideal choice for adding long-lasting color to shady or partially shaded landscapes.
Choosing the Best Begonias for the Ground
Before you head out with your trowel, it is helpful to know which type of begonia fits your garden's needs. For a quick shopping path, start with our Upright Double Begonias collection. Each variety has its own "personality" and growth style.
Wax Begonias (Fibrous-Rooted)
These are the workhorses of the garden. You have likely seen them in public parks or lining driveway borders. They are called "wax" begonias because of their shiny, succulent-like leaves. They usually grow in neat, mounded shapes about 6 to 12 inches tall. You can find them with green leaves or deep bronze leaves. The bronze-leaf varieties are particularly tough and can often handle a bit more sun than their green-leafed cousins.
Tuberous Begonias
If you want drama, tuberous begonias are the way to go. These grow from tubers and produce massive, rose-like flowers. At Longfield Gardens, we offer varieties like the "Marmorata" with its bi-color petals or the Begonia Upright Double Picotee White variety, which looks like it has been dipped in paint. These are spectacular when planted in the ground, but they do have more brittle stems than wax begonias. It is best to plant them in a spot where they won't be trampled by pets or caught in high-traffic areas.
Hardy Begonias (Begonia grandis)
Unlike most begonias which are treated as annuals in most parts of the United States, there is a variety called Begonia grandis that is surprisingly winter-hardy in many zones. It features lovely heart-shaped leaves and delicate pink flowers. For a deeper look at winter-hardy options, see our Are Begonias Hardy Plants? guide.
What to do next:
- Identify the "vibe" of your garden: Choose wax begonias for neat borders and tuberous begonias for focal points.
- Look at your leaf color: Bronze leaves add a moody, sophisticated contrast to green garden foliage.
- Check the height: Ensure you plant shorter wax begonias in front of taller perennials.
Finding the Perfect Spot: Light and Soil
Success with begonias in the ground starts with finding a location that mimics their native tropical home. This means getting the light and the soil just right.
The Right Light
Most begonias are "shade-loving," but that term can be a bit confusing. In the gardening world, shade usually means "dappled sunlight" or "indirect light." A spot under a tall tree where sunlight filters through the leaves is perfect.
If you live in a cooler northern climate, your begonias can often handle more sun, especially in the morning. However, in the hot South, afternoon sun can be too intense and may scorch the leaves. For a fuller breakdown of light levels, see our Where to Plant Begonias: Sun or Shade? guide.
Soil and Drainage
"Drainage" is a word gardeners use a lot. It simply refers to how fast water leaves the soil. Begonias love moisture, but they hate sitting in soggy, wet ground. If the soil stays like a wet sponge for too long, the stems and tubers can rot.
If your soil is heavy clay (it feels sticky and stays wet), you can improve it by mixing in some compost or aged leaf mold. This loosens the soil texture and creates tiny air pockets. If you have very sandy soil (it feels gritty and dries out instantly), adding compost will help hold onto just enough moisture to keep the plants happy. For more planting detail, see our Tips for Growing Tuberous Begonias article.
Key Takeaway: Match your begonias to a spot with filtered light and soil that stays moist but never stays "puddly" or soggy after a rain.
When to Move Your Begonias Outside
Timing is everything when it comes to planting begonias in the ground. Because they are tropical plants, they have no "antifreeze" in their system. Even a light frost can cause the plant to collapse.
The best rule of thumb is to wait until the danger of frost has completely passed and the nighttime temperatures are consistently staying above 50°F (10°C). Many gardeners make the mistake of planting as soon as the first warm day of spring arrives. However, the soil is often still very cold at that time. Our Hardiness Zone Map is a quick way to check your zone before you plant.
Begonias grow much faster when the soil is warm. If you plant them too early into cold, wet earth, they will often sit there and struggle. It is much better to keep them in their nursery pots or start your tubers indoors and wait for the weather to truly settle into a summer pattern. Patience here leads to much healthier plants.
Simple Steps for Timing:
- Check your local "last frost date" online.
- Watch the nighttime lows on your weather app for a full week.
- Touch the soil with your bare hand; it should feel comfortable, not icy.
Step-by-Step Guide to Planting in the Ground
Once the weather is warm and your spot is ready, it is time to get your begonias in the ground. Whether you are planting nursery-grown starts or tubers you have sprouted indoors, the process is straightforward.
1. Prepare the Soil
Clear away any weeds or old mulch from the area. Use a garden fork or a hand trowel to loosen the soil to a depth of about 6 inches. This is the perfect time to mix in a handful of compost to give your plants a slow-release boost of nutrients.
2. Spacing the Plants
Give your begonias room to breathe. Proper spacing ensures good air circulation, which helps prevent leaves from staying too wet and developing mold. For a more detailed spacing chart, see How Far Apart Do You Plant Begonias?.
- Wax Begonias: Space them about 6 to 8 inches apart for a solid border.
- Tuberous Begonias: Space these about 10 to 12 inches apart to allow their large leaves and flowers to spread out.
3. Planting Depth
If you are planting a begonia from a pot, dig a hole that is the same depth as the pot it came in. You want the top of the root ball to be level with the surface of the garden soil.
If you are planting unsprouted tubers directly in the ground (only recommended in very warm climates), plant them about 1 inch deep. Make sure the "hollow" or indented side of the tuber is facing up toward the sky. This is where the stems will emerge.
4. Settling Them In
After placing the plant in the hole, gently fill in the gaps with soil. Don't press down too hard; you want to keep the soil light and fluffy. Give the area a gentle watering to help settle the soil around the roots.
What to do next:
- Water the soil, not the leaves, to help the plant establish.
- Mulch lightly around the plants with shredded bark to keep the roots cool.
- Label your varieties if you plan on digging them up in the fall.
Essential Care for Ground-Grown Begonias
Once your begonias are established in the ground, they are relatively low-maintenance. However, a little regular attention will keep them looking like a professional landscape display.
Watering Correctly
The goal is "deep, then dry." Instead of giving them a light sprinkle every day, give them a deep soaking once or twice a week. This encourages the roots to grow deeper into the soil, making the plant more resilient. Let the top inch of soil dry out before you water again.
Avoid watering in the heat of the afternoon sun, as water droplets on the leaves can sometimes act like tiny magnifying glasses and cause spotting. Morning is usually the best time to water.
Fertilizing for Blooms
Begonias are "heavy feeders," meaning they use a lot of energy to produce those constant flowers. If you want a non-stop show, use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two to three weeks. Look for a "bloom booster" formula with a slightly higher middle number (phosphorus) to encourage more flower buds.
Deadheading
"Deadheading" is just a fancy word for pinching off old, wilted flowers. While many modern wax begonias are "self-cleaning" (the flowers fall off on their own), tuberous begonias benefit from manual deadheading. Removing the old blooms prevents the plant from putting energy into making seeds and tells it to keep making more flowers instead. It also keeps the plant looking tidy.
Mulching Benefits
A thin layer of mulch—about an inch—is very helpful for begonias in the ground. It helps the soil retain moisture during hot spells and prevents soil from splashing up onto the leaves during heavy rains. Use a natural mulch like pine bark or compost. Avoid piling mulch directly against the stems, as this can hold too much moisture against the plant and cause rot.
Key Takeaway: Consistent watering and a bit of fertilizer are the "secret" to keeping begonias looking lush and vibrant all the way through September.
What to Do at the End of the Season
In most parts of the country, begonias will not survive the winter in the ground. As the temperatures start to drop in late autumn, you have two choices: treat them as annuals and let them go, or save them for next year. If you are planning an order, our Shipping Information page explains timing and delivery by zone.
Saving Tuberous Begonias
One of the best things about tuberous begonias is that the tubers get larger and better every year. Before the first hard frost, when the leaves start to turn yellow, carefully dig up the tubers.
- Cut the stems back to about an inch.
- Gently brush off the excess soil.
- Let them dry in a cool, shaded spot for a few days.
- Store them in a box of peat moss or sawdust in a cool, dark place (like a basement or garage) that stays above freezing.
Saving Wax Begonias
Wax begonias are harder to "store" as roots, but they make excellent houseplants. Before the cold hits, you can dig up a few of your favorites, pot them up in fresh potting soil, and bring them inside to a sunny windowsill. They will often keep blooming indoors throughout the winter, giving you a little reminder of summer.
What to do next:
- Mark your calendar for late September to start watching the weather.
- Prepare your storage boxes early if you plan to save your tubers.
- Clean your garden tools before putting them away for the winter.
Common Myths About Planting Begonias in the Ground
Because begonias look so delicate, there are a lot of "internet hacks" and myths about how to care for them. Let's clear up a few of the most common ones.
Myth 1: Begonias can't handle any sun. As we mentioned earlier, this depends on the variety and your climate. Bronze-leaf wax begonias are actually quite sun-tolerant. Even tuberous begonias appreciate some morning light to help them produce more flowers. Total, dark shade often results in "leggy" plants with very few blooms.
Myth 2: You must use special "begonia soil." While begonias like rich soil, you don't need a specific branded mix. Any good quality garden soil that has been improved with compost will work perfectly. The most important thing is that the soil is loose and not compacted.
Myth 3: They are "deer-proof." While begonias are not a favorite snack like hostas or lilies, hungry deer will occasionally take a nibble. If you have a high deer population, it is always a good idea to use a repellent or plant them closer to the house.
Myth 4: Begonias are difficult to grow. This is perhaps the biggest myth of all. Begonias are actually some of the most rewarding and "forgiving" plants you can put in your garden. As long as you don't overwater them and you wait for the warm weather to plant, they will almost always reward you with a beautiful display.
Designing with Begonias in the Landscape
Now that you know how to plant them, let’s talk about how to make them look great. Begonias offer a unique texture and color palette that can really elevate your curb appeal.
Using Contrast
Try planting white wax begonias against a dark green backdrop of boxwoods or yews. The bright white flowers will "pop" in the shade, making dark corners look brighter. Similarly, the deep bronze foliage of certain begonias looks incredible when paired with chartreuse (bright yellow-green) plants like Creeping Jenny or 'Lime Rickey' Heuchera.
Creating Layers
In a shade garden, use begonias as the middle or front layer. They look wonderful tucked under the "feet" of taller shade perennials like Bleeding Heart or Ferns. Because begonias bloom all summer long, they will provide color even after your spring-blooming perennials have finished their show.
Mass Plantings
If you have a large area under a tree where grass won't grow, consider a mass planting of begonias. Instead of one or two plants, plant twenty or thirty in a curved "drift." This creates a high-impact look that is often seen in botanical gardens.
Mixing Colors
You can stick to a single color for a formal, clean look, or mix shades of pink, red, and white for a "cottage garden" feel. For a classic pink focal point, Begonia Upright Double Roseform Pink works beautifully. If you are using tuberous begonias, mixing the upright varieties with Hanging Begonias along the edge of a raised bed creates a beautiful, multi-dimensional effect.
Key Takeaway: Think of begonias as "living paint." Use them to fill in gaps and add light to the shadowy parts of your yard.
Realistic Expectations for Your Begonia Garden
Gardening is a partnership with nature, and things don't always go perfectly. It is helpful to know what to expect as the season progresses.
First, begonias are relatively slow starters. When you first put them in the ground, they might not do much for the first two weeks. They are busy establishing their roots. Once the heat of mid-summer hits, they will suddenly "take off" and start growing rapidly. Don't be discouraged if they look small in June; by August, they will be the stars of the garden.
Second, weather plays a big role. If you have a particularly rainy summer, you might see some "flower drop," where the plant sheds its blossoms. This is normal and is the plant's way of protecting itself from rot. Once the sun comes back out, the plant will produce new buds.
Finally, remember that begonias have succulent stems. This means they are full of water and can be a bit brittle. If a heavy storm or a stray soccer ball breaks a stem, don't worry. Simply trim the broken edge cleanly with a pair of scissors. Begonias are very resilient and will often sprout new growth from the point where they were trimmed.
Conclusion
Planting begonias in the ground is one of the easiest ways to add professional-looking color to your home landscape. Whether you choose the reliable wax begonia or the show-stopping tuberous varieties, these plants are sure to bring joy to your summer gardening. By focusing on the basics—warm soil, dappled light, and good drainage—you can create a stunning display that lasts for months.
At Longfield Gardens, we take pride in providing high-quality tubers and plants to help your garden thrive. Our 100% Quality Guarantee backs that promise. We encourage you to experiment this season. Try a new color, mix different leaf textures, or finally fill that shady spot under the oak tree with a drift of vibrant blooms.
The most important rule in gardening is to enjoy the process. Begonias make that easy with their cheerful faces and low-maintenance needs.
- Wait for warm nights (over 50°F) before planting.
- Improve your soil with compost for better drainage.
- Fertilize every few weeks for a non-stop flower show.
- Consider lifting and storing tubers in the fall to save money next year.
"A garden filled with begonias is a garden filled with constant color. They are the quiet heroes of the shade, working hard all summer long so you can sit back and enjoy the view."
Ready to get started? Explore our Begonia Nonstop Mix and start planning your most beautiful garden yet.
FAQ
Do I need to soak begonia tubers before planting them in the ground?
While some gardeners like to soak their tubers for an hour or two in lukewarm water to "wake them up," it is not strictly necessary. As long as you plant them in moist (but not soaking wet) soil, they will naturally absorb the moisture they need to start growing.
Can I grow begonias in full sun if I plant them in the ground?
This depends on your location and the variety. Wax begonias with bronze leaves are the most sun-tolerant. In northern states, they can often handle full sun if they are kept well-watered. However, in the South, most begonias will need at least some afternoon shade to prevent their leaves from burning.
How deep should I plant a begonia tuber in my garden bed?
You should plant the tuber about 1 inch deep. It is very important to place it with the "hollow" or concave side facing up. If you plant it upside down, the stems will have to work much harder to reach the surface, which can weaken the plant.
Why are my begonia leaves turning yellow in the ground?
The most common reason for yellow leaves is overwatering or poor drainage. If the soil stays too wet, the roots cannot "breathe," and the leaves will turn yellow and eventually drop. Try letting the soil dry out more between waterings. If the problem persists, you may need to mix in some compost to help the soil drain better.