Growing Begonias in Colorado for Beautiful Summer Color

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why Begonias Are a Great Choice for Colorado
3. Choosing the Right Begonia for Your Landscape
4. Understanding the Colorado Growing Environment
5. How to Plant Begonias in Colorado
6. Watering and Feeding for Success
7. Maintaining Your Begonias Through the Summer
8. Overwintering Begonias in Colorado
9. Creating Beautiful Combinations
10. Conclusion
11. FAQ

Introduction

There is a unique kind of joy that comes from watching vibrant, lush flowers thrive in the bright, clear air of the Rocky Mountains. While many gardeners think of begonias as strictly tropical treasures, they are actually some of the most reliable and rewarding plants for the Colorado landscape. Whether you are looking to brighten up a shady patio in Denver or add a splash of color to a porch in Grand Junction, begonias offer a versatile solution that stands up surprisingly well to our local climate.

At Longfield Gardens, we enjoy helping gardeners find the perfect plants to match their specific environment. Growing begonias in Colorado is a wonderful way to bridge the gap between high-altitude intensity and soft, garden beauty. In this guide, we will cover how to select the best varieties for your area, how to manage the intense Colorado sun, and the simple steps you can take to ensure your begonias bloom from early summer until the first frost. If you want to start shopping right away, our begonia collection is a good place to begin.

With a few basic adjustments for our dry air and short growing season, you can enjoy a stunning display of color all year long.

Why Begonias Are a Great Choice for Colorado

Colorado gardeners often face a specific set of challenges: intense UV rays, low humidity, and rapid temperature shifts. It is a common misconception that begonias are too delicate for this environment. In reality, many varieties are quite resilient and even appreciate the cool nights that define a Colorado summer.

One of the primary benefits of begonias is their ability to provide consistent color in the shade. While many sun-loving perennials struggle under the relentless midday sun, begonias tucked into a North-facing garden bed or under a covered patio remain lush and vibrant. For a quick look at the light preferences of these plants, see Are Begonias Shade or Sun Plants?. Furthermore, once established, many types of begonias are surprisingly drought-tolerant. Because they have thick, fleshy stems and leaves that hold onto moisture, they don’t require the constant watering that more thin-leaved annuals might demand.

Another advantage for our region is the sheer variety of growth habits. From the upright, mounding forms of wax begonias to the spectacular, cascading blooms of tuberous varieties, there is a begonia for every niche. They are also remarkably pest-resistant, rarely bothered by the deer or rabbits that often visit Colorado yards.

Choosing the Right Begonia for Your Landscape

The key to success starts with matching the right type of begonia to your specific garden spot. Not all begonias are created equal, especially when dealing with the high-altitude conditions of the West.

Tuberous Begonias

These are often considered the "showstoppers" of the family. They grow from underground tubers and produce large, multi-petaled flowers that look like roses or camellias. For a Colorado gardener, tuberous begonias are best suited for containers or hanging baskets where you can control the soil and moisture levels more easily. If you want to browse a focused selection, the Begonia Flower Bulbs for Sale page makes it easy to find the right tubers. They come in upright and trailing varieties, with colors ranging from brilliant scarlet to soft apricot and crisp white.

Wax Begonias (Fibrous)

If you want a plant-it-and-forget-it option for garden borders, wax begonias are the answer. They are characterized by their glossy, "waxy" leaves which can be either green or bronze. In Colorado, the bronze-leaved varieties are particularly useful because they can handle more direct sunlight than the green-leaved types. They stay compact, usually around 6 to 10 inches tall, making them perfect for mass plantings.

Bolivian Begonias

A newer favorite for many of us, Bolivian begonias (Begonia boliviensis) are incredibly tough. They have a trailing habit with long, narrow leaves and bell-shaped flowers. What makes them perfect for Colorado is their heat tolerance. While other begonias might wilt during a 90-degree July afternoon in the Front Range, Bolivian types tend to keep their composure, provided they have enough water.

Angel Wing and Cane Begonias

Known for their striking, spotted foliage and upright stems that resemble bamboo, these begonias are excellent for larger containers. They provide height and architectural interest. In our climate, they are often grown as "patio plants" that can easily be moved indoors once the temperatures begin to drop in late September.

Key Takeaway: Match the begonia to your sun exposure. Use bronze-leaf wax begonias for brighter spots and large-flowered tuberous begonias for shaded retreats.

Understanding the Colorado Growing Environment

Gardening in the Centennial State means working with a unique set of rules. To grow begonias successfully here, you need to account for three main factors: altitude, humidity, and frost dates.

The Impact of Altitude and UV

In Colorado, the sun is much more intense than it is at sea level. A "full sun" recommendation on a plant tag from a national grower often translates to "partial shade" in Colorado. For begonias, this is a critical distinction. Most varieties prefer morning sun (until about 10:00 or 11:00 AM) and filtered or total shade during the heat of the afternoon. If the leaves of your begonias begin to look scorched or turn brown at the edges, they are likely getting too much direct UV exposure.

Managing Low Humidity

Begonias are native to tropical understories where the air is heavy with moisture. Colorado’s air is notoriously dry. You can help your plants feel at home by grouping them together, which creates a small microclimate of higher humidity. For begonias in pots, using a saucer with pebbles and a little water (so the pot sits above the water, not in it) can provide a local humidity boost through evaporation.

Hardiness Zones and Timing

Most of Colorado falls into USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 6, though some areas in the mountains are even colder. Begonias are tender perennials, meaning they cannot survive a freeze. To check your exact zone, use Longfield Gardens’ Hardiness Zone Map. In most parts of the state, the "safe" date to plant begonias outside is after Mother’s Day, or even early June in higher elevations.

How to Plant Begonias in Colorado

Getting your begonias off to a strong start involves preparing the right environment for their roots. Because our native soil is often heavy clay and alkaline, a little extra preparation goes a long way.

Soil Preparation

Begonias prefer light, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. They do best in a neutral to slightly acidic pH. If you are planting in the ground, we recommend digging in plenty of compost or peat moss to loosen the clay and lower the pH slightly. For more planting basics, the How to Plant and Care for Begonias guide covers the essentials.

For container gardening—which is how many Coloradans prefer to grow begonias—use a high-quality, soilless potting mix. These mixes are designed to hold moisture while allowing excess water to drain away, preventing the root rot that begonias are susceptible to.

Starting Tubers Indoors

Since our growing season can be short, many successful Colorado gardeners start their tuberous begonias indoors in late March or April.

1. Fill a shallow tray with moist potting soil.
2. Place the tubers on the surface with the "hollow" side facing up.
3. Lightly cover them with about half an inch of soil.
4. Keep them in a warm spot (around 70°F) with bright, indirect light.
5. By the time the weather warms up in June, you will have established plants ready to bloom immediately.

Planting Depth and Spacing

When moving begonias into the garden, plant them at the same depth they were in their nursery pots. For tubers, ensure they are about 1 to 2 inches below the soil surface. Space wax begonias about 6 to 8 inches apart for a dense border, while larger tuberous or angel wing varieties may need 12 inches or more to allow for air circulation.

What to do next:

• Check your local frost-free date before planting outside.
• Prepare your containers with a high-quality potting mix.
• If planting in the ground, amend clay soil with compost.
• Position your pots in a spot that receives afternoon shade.

Watering and Feeding for Success

In the dry Colorado climate, watering is the most important part of your daily garden routine. However, with begonias, more is not always better.

The "Deep then Dry" Rule

Begonias do not like to sit in soggy soil, but they also shouldn't be allowed to dry out completely until they wilt. The best approach is to check the soil with your finger. If the top inch feels dry, it is time to water. For a deeper dive into moisture needs, see How Much Water Does a Begonia Plant Need?. Water deeply at the base of the plant, avoiding the foliage if possible. This encourages the roots to grow downward and helps prevent fungal issues like powdery mildew, which can occasionally appear in our late-summer monsoon season.

Fertilizer Needs

To keep the flowers coming all summer, begonias need regular feeding. We suggest using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two to three weeks. If you are growing begonias primarily for their flowers, look for a "bloom booster" formula with a higher middle number (phosphorus). This provides the energy the plant needs to produce those spectacular blossoms.

At our trial gardens, we find that begonias respond best to consistent, light feeding rather than one heavy application. This keeps the growth steady and the stems strong.

Maintaining Your Begonias Through the Summer

Once your begonias are established, they require very little "work," but a few simple grooming tasks will keep them looking their best.

Deadheading

Most modern wax begonias and many Bolivian varieties are "self-cleaning," meaning the old flowers fall off on their own. However, tuberous begonias benefit from manual deadheading. When a flower begins to fade, pinch off the entire flower stalk back to the main stem. This prevents the plant from putting energy into seed production and encourages it to create new buds.

Managing Wind

Colorado is known for its sudden afternoon wind gusts. Because begonias have succulent, somewhat brittle stems, they can be damaged by high winds. If you live in a particularly breezy area, place your containers in a sheltered spot or use small bamboo stakes to provide extra support for taller varieties.

Encouraging Bushier Growth

If your angel wing or cane begonias are starting to look "leggy" (tall and thin with few leaves at the bottom), don't be afraid to pinch them back. Use your fingers or a clean pair of snips to remove the top inch of new growth. This signals the plant to branch out from the sides, resulting in a fuller, more attractive shape.

Overwintering Begonias in Colorado

Because begonias are not cold-hardy, they will die if left outside during a Colorado winter. However, you don't have to buy new ones every year. Saving your begonias is an easy way to enjoy your favorites season after season.

Storing Tuberous Begonias

When the first light frost turns the foliage black, it is time to bring the tubers inside.

1. Dig up the tubers carefully, leaving a little soil around the roots.
2. Let them dry in a cool, protected area for a few days until the stems pull away easily from the tuber.
3. Shake off the excess soil and place the tubers in a box filled with dry peat moss or sawdust.
4. Store the box in a cool, dark place (like a crawlspace or basement) that stays between 40°F and 50°F.
5. Check them once a month to ensure they haven't shriveled or developed mold.

Bringing Plants Indoors

Wax begonias and angel wing varieties can be treated as houseplants over the winter. Before the first frost, bring the pots inside and place them in a bright window. They may drop a few leaves as they adjust to the lower humidity of your home, but they will often continue to bloom throughout the winter months.

Key Takeaway: Colorado's first frost usually arrives in late September or early October. Mark your calendar to bring begonias indoors or dig up tubers before the ground freezes.

Creating Beautiful Combinations

Begonias are wonderful "team players" in the garden. Because they thrive in the shade, they pair beautifully with other shade-loving plants that grow well in Colorado.

Try planting trailing tuberous begonias in a hanging basket with lobelia and creeping Jenny. The bright yellow foliage of the creeping Jenny provides a stunning contrast to the deep reds or oranges of the begonias. For a more formal look in a garden bed, pair white wax begonias with silver-leafed dusty miller. The silver foliage is very drought-tolerant and handles the Colorado sun well, while the white begonias brighten up the border.

At Longfield Gardens, we love seeing how creative our customers get with their shade displays. If you want to compare a wider selection of forms, the Non Stop begonias collection is especially useful for container displays and long-lasting color. In Colorado, where the landscape can sometimes feel dominated by browns and greens, a burst of begonia color is a welcome sight.

Conclusion

Growing begonias in Colorado is a rewarding experience that proves you don't need a tropical climate to have a spectacular garden. By selecting the right varieties for your sun exposure and being mindful of our unique high-altitude conditions, you can enjoy these versatile bloomers all summer long. Whether you choose the rugged wax begonia for your garden beds or the elegant tuberous varieties for your patio, these plants will reward you with constant color and minimal fuss.

• Choose wisely: Select bronze-leaf varieties for sunnier spots and save the large-flowered tubers for the shade.
• Watch the clock: Wait until the soil is warm and the danger of frost has passed before planting outdoors.
• Water smart: Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and water at the base to keep foliage dry.
• Save for later: Dig up tubers in the fall to enjoy your begonias again next year.

We are here to help you make your Colorado garden as beautiful as possible. If you want a broader overview before you shop, start with All About Begonias. With a little bit of planning and the right plants, your yard can become a vibrant oasis that thrives in the heart of the Rockies.

"Gardening in Colorado is all about working with the elements rather than against them. Begonias are the perfect example of a plant that, with just a little bit of shade and regular water, can transform a mountain garden into a lush retreat."

FAQ

Can begonias handle the full sun in Colorado?

Most begonias prefer shade or partial sun, especially during the intense heat of a Colorado afternoon. However, wax begonias with bronze-colored leaves and some Bolivian varieties are much more sun-tolerant than others. Even these "sun-tolerant" types will perform better if they receive some protection from the harshest midday rays.

When is the best time to plant begonias in Denver or the Front Range?

The safest time to plant begonias outside in the Front Range is usually late May or early June. While we often have beautiful weather in April, "Mother’s Day frosts" are common in Colorado. It is best to wait until nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 50°F before moving your begonias to their permanent outdoor home. For more timing context, the Know Your Growing Zone: Cold Hardiness and Heat Tolerance guide is helpful.

Why are the leaves on my begonias turning brown at the edges?

In Colorado, brown edges are usually caused by either low humidity or sun scorch. If the plant is in a very sunny spot, try moving it to a location with more afternoon shade. If the sun exposure seems correct, try grouping your plants together or misting the area around them to increase the local humidity levels.

Do begonias need a lot of water in our dry climate?

While begonias like "evenly moist" soil, they are actually quite efficient at holding water in their thick stems. In the heat of summer, you may need to water container-grown begonias daily, but always check the soil first. Overwatering is a more common cause of plant failure than underwatering, as it can lead to tuber rot.