Will Begonias Grow Back Every Year?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Begonia Types and Their Lifespans
3. Will Tuberous Begonias Grow Back?
4. How to Overwinter Tuberous Begonias for Next Year
5. Will Wax Begonias Grow Back in the Garden?
6. Hardy Begonias: The True Garden Perennials
7. How to Start Saved Begonias in Spring
8. Common Reasons Begonias Fail to Return
9. Choosing the Right Spot for Success
10. Toxicity Note for Pet Owners
11. Conclusion
12. FAQ

Introduction

Finding a splash of brilliant color for a shady corner is one of the most rewarding moments in gardening. Whether you are captivated by the rose-like blooms of tuberous begonias or the steady, reliable color of wax begonias, these plants are a staple for many home gardeners, and the Begonia Flower Bulbs for Sale collection shows the range available. At Longfield Gardens, we know that once you fall in love with their lush foliage and vibrant petals, you naturally want to see them return season after season.

This guide is designed for home gardeners who want to know if their begonias will return next year and how to ensure the best results. We will cover the different types of begonias, which ones are naturally hardy, and how to store the more tender varieties over the winter. Understanding the specific needs of your plants makes the difference between a one-season display and a lifetime of beautiful blooms. For a broader overview of begonia types, see our All About Begonias guide.

Whether you are growing them in flower beds or containers, most begonias can grow back if you provide the right care and protection from the cold. If you prefer a hanging display, the Hanging Begonias collection is a good place to start.

Understanding Begonia Types and Their Lifespans

To answer the question of whether your begonias will grow back, you first need to identify which type you have. The begonia family is incredibly diverse, with over 2,000 species and many more hybrids. In the gardening world, we generally group them into three main categories based on their root systems and growth habits.

Tuberous Begonias

These are famous for their large, spectacular flowers that can look like roses, camellias, or carnations. They grow from a thick, brown, potato-like structure called a tuber. Tuberous begonias are perennials, but they are very sensitive to cold. In most parts of the United States, they will only grow back if the tubers are lifted and stored indoors for the winter. For continuous-blooming forms, the Non-Stop Begonias collection is a helpful place to browse.

Wax (Fibrous) Begonias

Often used as bedding plants, wax begonias have succulent stems and waxy, rounded leaves that can be green or bronze. They have a fibrous root system rather than a tuber. In warm climates (USDA zones 9–11), they can live as perennials. However, in most regions, they are treated as annuals because they cannot survive a freeze.

Hardy Begonias

The most common species in this group is Begonia grandis. Unlike its tropical cousins, the hardy begonia can survive in the ground in much colder regions, typically down to USDA zone 6. These plants grow back from the roots or from small bulblets that drop to the ground in the fall. To compare your climate with a plant’s needs, use the Hardiness Zone Map.

Cane and Rhizomatous Begonias

This group includes the popular Angel Wing begonias and Rex begonias. These are typically grown for their stunning foliage. While they are perennials, they are almost always grown as houseplants in the U.S. or moved indoors long before the first frost.

Will Tuberous Begonias Grow Back?

Tuberous begonias are some of the most popular varieties we offer at Longfield Gardens. For a classic rose-like example, see Begonia Upright Double Roseform Pink. They are naturally perennial, meaning they have the biological ability to live for many years. However, their ability to "grow back" in your garden depends entirely on how you handle their winter dormancy.

Because tuberous begonias are native to tropical regions, they have no defense against freezing temperatures. If the tuber freezes in the ground, it will turn to mush and will not return. To see them grow back next year, you must provide a period of rest in a frost-free environment.

These plants follow a seasonal cycle. In the summer, they use sunlight to produce energy, which is then stored in the tuber. As the days get shorter and temperatures drop in the fall, the plant naturally begins to shut down. This is an exciting sign that the plant is preparing its energy for next year’s growth. By saving the tuber, you are essentially "saving" the plant to start again in the spring.

Key Takeaway: Tuberous begonias are perennials that require a dormant period. In most climates, you must lift the tubers and store them indoors to ensure they grow back.

How to Overwinter Tuberous Begonias for Next Year

If you want your tuberous begonias to grow back, follow these simple steps to protect them through the winter. For step-by-step help, see our Tips for Growing Tuberous Begonias guide. This process is often called "overwintering," and it is much easier than many beginners realize.

Timing the Harvest

The best time to start the process is in late autumn, just after the first light frost or when the foliage begins to turn yellow. A light frost may blacken the leaves, but it won't hurt the tuber underground. This change in weather tells the plant it is time to go to sleep.

Lifting and Curing the Tubers

Once the foliage has yellowed or been touched by a light frost, carefully dig up the tubers.

1. Use a garden fork or trowel to lift the root ball, being careful not to nick the tuber.
2. Cut the stems back to about one inch above the tuber.
3. Gently shake off the excess soil, but do not wash them with water. Keeping them dry is essential to prevent rot.
4. Place the tubers in a warm, dry, and airy spot (like a garage or porch) for about a week. This process is called "curing" and helps the outer skin toughen up for storage.

Choosing the Right Storage Method

After curing, the remaining stem stub will usually dry up and fall off easily. Now the tubers are ready for their winter nap.

• Storage Medium: Place the tubers in a box filled with dry peat moss, coco coir, vermiculite, or even shredded newspaper.
• Spacing: Ensure the tubers are not touching each other. This prevents a single bad tuber from spreading rot to the others.
• Environment: Store the box in a cool, dark, and dry location. The ideal temperature is between 40°F and 50°F. A basement or a cool closet usually works well.

What to do next:

• Check your stored tubers once a month during the winter.
• If you see any soft spots or mold, remove the affected tuber immediately.
• If the tubers look shriveled, you can very lightly mist the storage medium with water, but be careful not to make it wet.

Will Wax Begonias Grow Back in the Garden?

Wax begonias are the workhorses of the shade garden. While tuberous begonias grow from a central tuber, wax begonias have a mass of thin, fibrous roots. This means they do not have a large energy reserve to survive a long, dormant winter in the ground.

In USDA zones 9, 10, and 11, wax begonias can stay in the ground year-round and will grow back or even bloom through the winter. In any zone colder than that, they will die when the temperature drops below freezing.

Most gardeners treat wax begonias as annuals, meaning they plant new ones each spring. However, if you have a favorite plant that you aren't ready to say goodbye to, you can bring it indoors.

Transitioning Wax Begonias Indoors

If you want your wax begonias to grow back the following year, the easiest way is to keep them as houseplants through the winter.

1. Pot them up: Before the first frost, dig up the plant and place it in a pot with fresh, well-draining potting soil.
2. Check for guests: Inspect the leaves and soil for any insects before bringing the plant inside.
3. Find the light: Place the pot in a bright window. They love light but can be sensitive to the dry air of a heated home.
4. Humidity is key: Place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water. This increases the humidity around the plant without making the soil soggy.

In the spring, once the threat of frost has passed, you can move these plants back outdoors. They often become a bit "leggy" or stretched out indoors, so a quick trim in early spring will encourage them to grow back thick and bushy.

Hardy Begonias: The True Garden Perennials

If you want begonias that grow back every year without the effort of lifting or moving them, Begonia grandis is the plant for you. This is the only begonia that is truly hardy in much of the United States.

Hardy begonias thrive in zones 6 through 9. They look very similar to Angel Wing begonias, with beautiful heart-shaped leaves that have red veining on the undersides. In late summer and fall, they produce delicate sprays of pink or white flowers.

These plants grow back in two ways:

1. The Rootstock: The main plant grows from a tuberous rootstock that survives the winter underground.
2. Bulblets: In the fall, tiny pea-sized bulblets form in the leaf axils (where the leaf meets the stem). These bulblets drop to the ground and grow into new plants the following spring.

To ensure your hardy begonias grow back, leave the fallen leaves on the ground around the plant or add a light layer of mulch. This provides a little extra insulation during the coldest months. In the spring, be patient; hardy begonias are late sleepers and often don't emerge from the ground until the soil is consistently warm in late May or early June.

How to Start Saved Begonias in Spring

Once you have successfully overwintered your begonias, the next step is "waking them up." If you need a refresher on spring scheduling, our How to Start Tuberous Begonias Indoors guide walks through the process. This is one of the most exciting parts of the gardening season, as it signals that spring has truly arrived.

Waking Up the Tubers

Our team at Longfield Gardens recommends starting your saved tubers indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost date. For a classic double-flowered option, Begonia Upright Double Superba White is a good example. This gives the plants a head start so you can enjoy flowers sooner.

1. Inspect: Look at your tubers. You should see small pink or white "eyes" or buds starting to form in the hollow part of the tuber.
2. Planting Depth: Use a shallow tray or individual 4-inch pots. Fill them with a light, well-draining potting mix.
3. Orientation: Place the tuber with the hollow side facing up. Cover it with only about an inch of soil.
4. Watering: Water once to settle the soil, then wait. Do not water again until you see green growth emerging. Overwatering at this stage is the most common reason tubers fail to grow back.

Potting and Moving Outdoors

As the stems grow, provide plenty of bright, indirect light. If you have a sunny windowsill or a grow light, that's perfect. Before moving them to their permanent summer home, you must "harden them off." This means taking them outside for a few hours a day, gradually increasing their time in the elements over a week.

Wait until the nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50°F before planting them in the ground or placing your containers outside. Begonias love warmth and will grow much faster once the soil is cozy.

Common Reasons Begonias Fail to Return

Gardening is a learning process, and sometimes begonias don't grow back as expected. If your plants didn't return, it is usually due to one of these three common factors.

1. Temperature Extremes

The most frequent cause is a surprise frost. If a tuberous or wax begonia experiences a hard freeze, the water inside the plant cells expands and breaks the cell walls. This causes the plant to collapse and rot. Always keep an eye on your local weather forecast in both the spring and the fall.

2. Drainage Issues

Begonias are very sensitive to "wet feet." Drainage is the term we use to describe how fast water leaves the soil. If the soil stays saturated for too long, the roots or tubers cannot breathe and will begin to rot. This is especially true during the winter storage phase or the early spring waking-up phase. To prevent this, always use pots with drainage holes and add organic matter like compost to garden beds to improve soil structure.

3. Deep Planting

If you plant a begonia tuber too deep, it may struggle to reach the surface. This can lead to the stem rotting before it ever sees the sun. Stick to the "one-inch rule"—only cover the top of the tuber with about an inch of soil.

Key Takeaway: Most begonia failures are related to too much water or too much cold. Getting these two basics right will ensure your plants grow back beautifully.

Choosing the Right Spot for Success

When you are ready to plant your begonias so they have the best chance of returning, remember the "right plant, right place" rule.

• Sunlight: Most begonias prefer dappled shade or morning sun with afternoon protection. Too much hot afternoon sun can scorch the leaves, while too much shade can lead to fewer flowers and "leggy" growth.
• Soil: They thrive in rich, loamy soil. If your soil is heavy clay, consider growing your begonias in containers where you can easily control the soil quality.
• Space: Give them room to breathe. Good air circulation is the best way to prevent powdery mildew, a common fungal issue that looks like white flour on the leaves.

If you are planning a fuller display, Begonia Non Stop Mix - Bulk Offer is a convenient choice.

By matching the plant's needs to the spot in your yard, you set the stage for a healthy plant that is much easier to overwinter and grow back the following year.

Toxicity Note for Pet Owners

While begonias are beautiful, they do contain calcium oxalates, which can be toxic to dogs and cats if ingested. The highest concentration of these compounds is found in the tubers. If you have pets that like to dig or chew on plants, it is best to keep your begonias in hanging baskets or high containers out of their reach. If you suspect your pet has eaten part of a begonia, contact your veterinarian for guidance.

Conclusion

At Longfield Gardens, we believe that every gardener can enjoy the repeat performance of these stunning flowers. While most begonias are tropical by nature, they don't have to be a one-time investment. By identifying whether you have a tuberous, wax, or hardy variety, you can take the simple steps needed to ensure they grow back.

Whether you choose to lift and store tubers in a cool basement or bring a wax begonia indoors to brighten your winter windows, the effort is well worth the reward. There is nothing quite like the satisfaction of seeing those first green sprouts emerge in the spring, knowing they are the same plants that brought you joy the year before.

Final Takeaway: To make begonias grow back, protect them from frost, keep them dry during dormancy, and give them a warm, bright start in the spring.

For the best results, start with high-quality tubers and plants. We stand behind our products with a 100% Quality Guarantee, ensuring your plants arrive in prime condition and are true to variety. If you ever have questions about your plants' performance, our team is here to provide practical support and help your garden thrive.

FAQ

Can I leave my tuberous begonias in the ground over winter?

You should only leave tuberous begonias in the ground if you live in USDA zones 9, 10, or 11. In all other regions, the ground will get cold enough to freeze the tuber, which will prevent it from growing back. In colder zones, you must lift the tubers and store them in a frost-free area.

How do I know if my saved begonia tuber is still alive?

A healthy tuber should feel firm and heavy for its size, similar to a fresh potato. If the tuber feels light, hollow, or "squishy" when you press on it, it has likely dried out too much or succumbed to rot. In early spring, you should also see small, colorful buds or "eyes" starting to emerge from the top.

Do wax begonias come back every year?

In most parts of the U.S., wax begonias are treated as annuals because they cannot survive a freeze. They do not have a dormant tuber to store energy like tuberous begonias do. However, you can bring them indoors as houseplants for the winter, and they will grow back when moved outside again in the spring.

When is the best time to start my stored begonia tubers?

The best time to start your saved tubers is in March or April, about 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost. Starting them indoors gives them a head start so they have a larger root system and more foliage by the time the weather is warm enough to be moved outside. If you're planning your order, our Shipping Information page explains timing by zone.