Introduction
There is a unique kind of magic in watching a hummingbird zip through the garden. Their iridescent feathers catch the light as they hover with impossible precision, moving from flower to flower in a rhythmic dance. If you have a shady backyard or a covered porch, you might wonder if you can join in on the fun of attracting these tiny visitors. While many famous hummingbird plants require full sun, begonias offer a wonderful solution for the quieter, cooler corners of your yard.
At Longfield Gardens, we believe that every gardener should be able to enjoy the beauty of nature, regardless of how much sun their "outdoor room" receives. Begonias are a staple for shade-loving displays, but their relationship with pollinators is often overlooked. If you are looking for a way to add vibrant color to your patio while providing a snack for local hummers, you have come to the right place.
In this guide, we will explore exactly why hummingbirds are drawn to certain begonias and how you can choose the best varieties for your space. We will also cover the simple steps to keep your plants thriving so the nectar keeps flowing all season long. Begonias are a versatile and rewarding choice that makes hummingbird gardening accessible to everyone.
Why Hummingbirds Visit Begonias
The short answer is yes—hummingbirds do like begonia plants. However, they don't visit every begonia with the same level of enthusiasm. To understand why they choose certain blooms, we have to look at how a hummingbird sees the world. These birds are high-energy creatures that need to consume a massive amount of nectar every day to fuel their fast-paced lifestyles.
Hummingbirds are naturally attracted to bright, warm colors. Red is the most famous "magnet" for them, but they are also frequent visitors to orange, bright pink, and yellow flowers. Begonias excel in this color palette. Many tuberous varieties produce glowing shades of scarlet and apricot that stand out vividly in the shadows of a porch or under a tree canopy.
Beyond color, the shape of the flower matters. Hummingbirds have long, specialized bills and even longer tongues designed to reach deep into tubular or bell-shaped blossoms. While some begonias have flat, open faces, many of the varieties we love most—especially those with pendulous or "hanging" growth habits—feature flowers that dangle like little bells. This shape is a perfect match for a hovering hummingbird.
Key Takeaway: Hummingbirds visit begonias because of their brilliant colors and nectar-rich, bell-shaped flowers that are easy for hovering birds to access.
Choosing the Best Begonias for Hummingbirds
Not all begonias are created equal when it comes to wildlife. If you want to see those tiny wings fluttering near your pots, it helps to choose varieties that prioritize nectar access and visibility. Here are the types that we have found to be the most successful in attracting hummingbirds.
Tuberous Begonias (Pendula and Bertini)
Tuberous begonias are the "showstoppers" of the shade garden. They grow from a potato-like bulb (called a tuber) and produce large, lush flowers. For hummingbirds, the pendulous or "trailing" types are often the best. These varieties, like the Bertini begonia, have a cascading habit that looks stunning in hanging baskets. Because the flowers dangle downward, they are easy for a hummingbird to approach from underneath or the side while hovering.
Boliviensis Varieties
This specific type of begonia has become a favorite for pollinator gardens. Unlike the rose-like blooms of some tuberous types, Begonia boliviensis features long, narrow, pointed petals that form a distinct trumpet shape. These plants are prolific bloomers, often covered in hundreds of small, nectar-filled flowers from early summer until the first frost. They are also quite heat-tolerant, making them a reliable choice for warmer climates.
Single vs. Double Blooms
When you are browsing for begonias, you will see "double" varieties that look like ruffled roses and "single" varieties with fewer petals. While the double blooms are incredibly beautiful, single-flowered begonias are generally better for hummingbirds. In a single flower, the nectar is much easier to reach. In very dense double flowers, the extra petals can sometimes act as a barrier, making it harder for the bird to get a good drink.
What to Look For:
- Bright Colors: Look for fiery reds, deep oranges, and hot pinks.
- Cascading Habits: Choose plants that spill over the edges of containers.
- Single Blooms: Ensure the center of the flower is easily accessible.
Where to Plant Your Begonias for Maximum Bird Traffic
Attracting hummingbirds is about more than just the plant; it is also about the placement. Hummingbirds are creatures of habit, and they prefer to feed in areas where they feel safe and comfortable. Because begonias are shade-loving plants, you have a unique opportunity to bring birds into areas of the garden where other "sun-hungry" pollinator plants won't grow.
The Power of the Hanging Basket
Hanging baskets are perhaps the best way to display begonias for hummingbirds. By hanging a basket at eye level on a porch or from a shepherd’s hook, you are placing the nectar source right in the bird’s preferred flight path. It also gives you a front-row seat to the action. We recommend placing these baskets near a window or a favorite outdoor chair so you can enjoy the view without startling the birds.
Shady Sanctuary Spots
Hummingbirds are small and can be wary of predators. They love to have "perching spots" nearby—small twigs or thin branches where they can sit and rest between feedings. If you plant your begonias in a container near a leafy shrub or a small tree, the birds will be more likely to stick around. They can zoom out for a quick drink of begonia nectar and then dart back into the safety of the leaves.
Layering Your Shade Garden
If you have a larger shade bed, consider planting begonias in groups. A single plant might be missed, but a "drift" of five or seven begonias creates a beacon of color that is hard to ignore. You can tuck them in front of hostas or ferns. The contrast between the bold begonia flowers and the cool green foliage of the perennials makes the flowers "pop," helping the hummingbirds spot their next meal from a distance.
What to do next:
- Identify a shady spot that is visible from your window.
- Install a sturdy hook for a hanging basket or clear a space for a large decorative pot.
- Ensure there is a nearby shrub or tree for the birds to use as a resting perch.
Planting and Starting Your Begonias
At Longfield Gardens, we ship begonia tubers as dormant bulbs, which is the most cost-effective and rewarding way to grow them. Starting from tubers allows you to choose from a wider variety of colors and forms than you might find at a local garden center.
Timing Your Start
Begonias are tropical plants and do not like the cold. In most parts of the US, it is best to start your tubers indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost in your area. This "head start" ensures that your plants are already growing and ready to bloom as soon as the weather warms up. If you wait to plant them directly outside, you might miss the early part of the hummingbird migration.
The Right Way to Plant
Planting a begonia tuber is simple, but there is one "golden rule": make sure the hollow side is facing up. The tuber looks a bit like a dark, fuzzy bowl. The concave (dipped) side is where the stems will emerge.
- Soil: Use a high-quality potting mix that is light and fluffy. Drainage is key—this means the water should move through the soil easily so the tuber doesn't sit in a puddle.
- Depth: You only need to cover the tuber with about an inch of soil. If you plant them too deep, they may struggle to reach the surface.
- Water: After the first watering, be patient. Keep the soil "barely moist" (like a wrung-out sponge). Too much water before the plant has leaves can cause the tuber to rot.
For more detail on the one-inch rule, see this guide to planting depth for tuberous begonias.
Moving Outdoors
Once the nights stay consistently above 50°F and there is no danger of frost, you can move your begonias to their permanent home. Start by placing them in a sheltered, shady spot for a few hours a day to get them used to the outdoor air. This process, called "hardening off," prevents the leaves from getting shocked by the change in environment.
Caring for Your Hummingbird Buffet
To keep hummingbirds coming back, your begonias need to stay healthy and productive. A plant that is stressed or wilting won't produce as much nectar. Fortunately, begonias are relatively low-maintenance if you follow a few basic care steps.
Mastering the Water Balance
Begonias love humidity and consistent moisture, but they hate "wet feet." The best way to water is to check the soil with your finger. If the top inch feels dry, it is time for a drink. Always water at the base of the plant rather than over the leaves. This helps prevent mildew and keeps the flowers looking their best. If your begonias are in hanging baskets, remember that they will dry out much faster than those in the ground, especially on breezy days.
Feeding for More Flowers
Nectar production takes a lot of energy. To keep your begonias blooming from summer all the way through fall, we recommend using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks. Look for a formula where the three numbers on the label are roughly equal (like 20-20-20). This provides the nutrients needed for both healthy green leaves and a constant supply of fresh blossoms.
Deadheading and Tidying
"Deadheading" is just a gardening term for removing old, faded flowers. On many begonias, the old blooms will fall off on their own, but a quick walk-through to pick off any spent stems will keep the plant looking tidy. More importantly, it encourages the plant to put its energy into creating new flowers instead of setting seeds. More flowers mean more food for your hummingbirds.
Companion Plants for a Hummingbird Shade Garden
While begonias are fantastic on their own, you can create a truly irresistible "pollinator café" by pairing them with other plants that hummingbirds love. Mixing different textures and heights makes your garden look more professional and provides a more diverse diet for the birds.
Fuchsias
Fuchsias are perhaps the most famous hummingbird plants for shade. Like begonias, they have pendulous, bell-shaped flowers and thrive in the same cool, moist conditions. A hanging basket that combines trailing begonias with fuchsias is a hummingbird magnet that offers two different types of nectar.
Caladiums
While caladiums are grown for their stunning foliage rather than their flowers, they make excellent companions for begonias. Their large, heart-shaped leaves in shades of white, pink, and red provide a beautiful backdrop that makes the begonia blooms stand out. They also help hold moisture in the soil by shading the ground.
Hostas
Many gardeners don't realize that hostas produce tall spikes of lavender or white flowers in mid-summer. These trumpet-shaped blooms are a favorite for hummingbirds. Planting begonias at the base of your hostas creates a multi-level feeding station. The birds can snack on the low-growing begonias and then move up to the taller hosta stalks.
Coleus
Coleus is another foliage favorite. We love using deep burgundy or bright lime green coleus to contrast with orange or red begonias. While the tiny flowers of coleus aren't the main event, they do provide a little extra interest for smaller pollinators like bees.
Simple Design Rule: Pair a "thriller" (a tall plant like a Fuchsia), a "filler" (a mounding Begonia), and a "spiller" (a trailing Boliviensis begonia) in one large pot for a high-impact hummingbird display.
Realistic Expectations and Troubleshooting
Gardening is a partnership with nature, and sometimes things don't go exactly as planned. Weather, local bird populations, and soil conditions all play a role in your success. If you aren't seeing hummingbirds immediately, don't worry! It can take a little time for them to discover a new food source.
Why aren't the birds coming?
If your begonias are blooming but the birds are absent, consider the visibility. Is the pot tucked too far under a deep eave? Move it toward the edge of the porch where it is easier to see from the sky. Also, make sure you aren't using heavy pesticides in your yard. Hummingbirds eat a lot of small insects and spiders for protein; if you eliminate all the bugs, you are removing a major part of their diet.
Dealing with Leaf Issues
If the leaves of your begonias start to look yellow, it is often a sign of too much water. Scale back your watering and make sure the pot has plenty of holes in the bottom for drainage. If you see a white, powdery dusting on the leaves, that is likely powdery mildew. This usually happens when there isn't enough air moving around the plants. Spacing your pots a little further apart or moving them to a less "stuffy" corner can solve the problem easily.
Heat and Humidity
In very hot climates, begonias might take a "nap" during the peak of summer. If the temperatures are consistently in the 90s, the plants might stop blooming for a week or two. This is normal. Keep them watered and in the deepest shade you have, and they will bounce back with a fresh flush of flowers as soon as the temperature drops slightly.
Bringing Begonias Indoors for Winter
In most of the United States, begonias are treated as annuals because they cannot survive a freeze. However, because they grow from tubers, they are very easy to save for next year. This is a great way to build up a large collection of hummingbird plants over time without having to buy new ones every spring.
As the weather cools in the fall and the leaves start to turn yellow, stop watering the plants. Let the soil dry out completely. Once the foliage has died back, you can carefully dig up the tubers. Shake off the excess dirt and let them sit in a dry, cool spot for a few days to "cure."
Once they are dry, store the tubers in a cardboard box filled with peat moss or sawdust. Keep the box in a cool, dark place (like a basement or a closet) where it won't freeze. Come February or March, you can pull them out, plant them in fresh soil, and start the cycle all over again. It is an exciting moment every spring when those first little pink buds start to poke out of the soil.
For additional instructions, see this guide to wintering over begonia plants.
Conclusion
Creating a hummingbird-friendly garden doesn't require a massive, sun-drenched meadow. With a few well-chosen begonias, you can turn a shady porch or a quiet corner of your yard into a vibrant sanctuary. By focusing on bright colors and accessible, bell-shaped flowers, you provide these amazing birds with the fuel they need while enjoying a beautiful, low-maintenance display.
At Longfield Gardens, our goal is to help you find success with every tuber and bulb you plant. Begonias are one of the most versatile tools in a gardener's kit, offering season-long color and a unique way to connect with local wildlife. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, the simple joy of a hovering hummingbird is always worth the effort.
- Choose the right variety: Look for trailing tuberous types or Boliviensis for the best nectar access.
- Focus on color: Red and orange are the most effective "beacons" for birds.
- Keep it simple: Provide consistent water, a little fertilizer, and a safe place for birds to perch.
"A shade garden shouldn't just be a place for quiet greens; it can be a vibrant, buzzing hub of life when you plant with pollinators in mind."
We invite you to explore our Non Stop Begonias collection and start planning your own backyard sanctuary today. With a little patience and the right plants, you'll be amazed at how quickly the hummingbirds find their way to your door.
FAQ
Which specific colors of begonias attract hummingbirds the most?
Hummingbirds are most strongly attracted to red, orange, and bright pink begonias. These colors are highly visible to birds from a distance. While they may visit yellow or white flowers, warm-toned begonias act as a natural "neon sign" that tells the birds there is high-quality nectar available.
Do hummingbirds prefer begonias over other shade flowers like fuchsias?
Hummingbirds generally love both fuchsias and begonias, and they will happily visit both in the same garden. Fuchsias are often more famous because of their extremely long tubular flowers, but begonias are excellent companions that provide a different shape and variety of nectar, ensuring the birds stay in your garden longer.
Can I grow begonias in hanging baskets to attract hummingbirds?
Yes, hanging baskets are one of the best ways to grow begonias for hummingbirds. Placing the flowers at eye level makes them very easy for the birds to find and access. It also keeps the plants off the ground, where the flowers are better protected and more visible to flying pollinators.
Do begonias produce a lot of nectar for birds?
Many varieties, particularly the species-type begonias and certain tuberous hybrids like Begonia boliviensis, are excellent nectar producers. While double-flowered "rose-form" begonias have less accessible nectar, the single-flowered and trailing varieties are designed by nature to attract pollinators like hummingbirds and bees.
