Most begonias wo n’t survive freezing winter , but indoor plants can live for eld .
Are begonia perennials or annual ? It ’s not a mere question because they ’re such a widely various mathematical group of plant . Somebegoniasare right at home in sunny porch pot . In line , others grow well in the ground as bedding plants , while still othersthrive indoors as long - live houseplants . Some members of the begonia family are demand and finicky . Rex begonias are a good example ; they grow best indoors , shielded from the idle words and other harsh circumstance , while other begonia have a go - with - the - flow grow manner , such as hybrid bedding varieties .
These tips will help you get the most out of all the begonias in your garden bed and container , whether you be in an area where you could grow them as perennials or someplace you ’ll institute them as yearbook .
Credit:BHG / Jiaqi Zhou
BHG / Jiaqi Zhou
Annual vs. Perennial Begonias
Botanically speak , an annual is any works that completes its life cps ( cum to seed ) in one growing season before naturally dying . industrial plant that live winter in the landscape , bloom andgrowing again each year , are perennials . Are begonia perennial ? In lovesome zones , yes . Many plants from tropical areas , such as most begonias , can go for years but are often treated as annuals because they don’tsurvive freeze winters outdoors . However , if youbrought frost - attender begonias indoors , they would proceed to grow , so they are n’t technically annuals . Annual plants naturally die after develop for a year or less .
Hardy begonias are toxic to pets — keep them out of reach of hombre and dogs to invalidate possible health issues .
How to Grow Hardy Begonia
dauntless begonia ( Begonia grandis)returns twelvemonth after year inUSDA Hardiness geographical zone 6 - 9 . unluckily , gardeners in Zones 5 and cold do n’t have a perennial begonia option that will pull through out of doors . Hardy begonia ca n’t last the cold wintertime temperatures in these expanse .
Where to Plant Hardy Begonia
Perfect forplanting in a shade garden , stout begonia work a 2 - to-3 - fundament - tall pile of glistening green foliage . Popular with pollinator , intrepid begonia produce clusters of pink flowers begin in midsummer and continuing into fall . Grow hardy begonias in part to full shadowiness . Unlike many plants , they can grow in deep nuance but will produce few peak .
Brighten up a shade garden by using light - dark itinerary , stones , or container . They mull over visible light and help the space feel more open and inviting .
Soil and Water
Like most begonias , hardy begonia thrives in moist , organically rich , well - drained soil . To determine if the soil hasgood drain , dig out a fix 12 - 18 inches blanket and 12 - 18 inches deep ( it does n’t have to be exact ) . Fill the jam with piss . Once it drains , refill it with body of water and expect for it to drain again . The storey should drop about an inch per hour in soil with full drainage .
Once launch , fearless begonia is aperennial that will tolerate some drought , but it acquire best when well - watered .
In bound , fan out a 2 - inch layer of compost around hardy begonias to boost nutrients and wet , anddeadhead spent bloomsto advance more flowers .
Credit: Denny Schrock
Propagation
Hardy begonia naturalizes well , slowly spreading to mould a modest colony within a couple of age . It fan out by form midget bulblets on the pourboire of its stems in surrender . The bulblets drop to the ground and grow into young plant the following spring . Easy to keep within leap if take , the tiny new plant can be reposition with ahoe or garden trowel .
What to Plant with Hardy Begonias
Pair unfearing begonias withspring - blooming bulbs . One of the latest plant to emerge in spring , hardy begonia appear well after bulbs finish blossom . This easy go around plant will forge a carpet of color and texture that will help hide the dying electric-light bulb leaf .
bush that tolerate wraith , such as azalea andrhododendron , are good planting partners for audacious begonias . These shrubs require little attention other thanwatering during dry spells . overspread a 2 - inchlayer of shredded barque mulcharound shrubs and stout begonia in early summer to make a nearly freewheeling landscape painting seam . Other companion plant for hardy begonia are hosta , ferns , andbleeding middle , which grow well in shady spots .
In summation to being a fit in shade and pollinator gardens , hardy begonias also do well as border plants or inwoodland - theme landscapes .
Credit: Kim Cornelison
5 Garden Begonia Care Tips
Hybrid garden begonia motley sold as container and bedding plants are one - season wonders grown like annual ( though technically , they can endure longer than a year ) . They put up lush foliage and instant colour from late spring until fall . In domain where it freezes , these plants dieonce cold weather readiness in . Maximize your enjoyment of these colorful plants with these all important grow tips .
1. Be Mindful of Pot Size
democratic hybrid begonia , such as the ‘ Dragon Wing ’ and ‘ heavy ’ series , grow tight . set expectant hybrids in containersat least 18 inches in diam so they have plenty of space to develop arching , blossom - fill stems .
2. Water Consistently
Allow the soil Earth’s surface to dry out to the touch between waterings . If the filth feel dry , water the plant deeply . Otherwise , check again the next daylight . begonia farm in shadeneed less frequent wateringthan those growing in full Lord’s Day .
3. Pay Attention to Sun or Shade Preference
Enjoybegonias in sun or shade . For decades , begonias were primarily shade plants . Plant breeders have recently develop novel varieties of intercrossed and wax begonia that can tolerate direct sun . discipline flora tags before buying to check that you ’re selecting the estimable type of begonias for your promiscuous condition .
4. Add Slow-Release Fertilizer
5. Extend the Season
Begonias are sensible to cold-blooded temperature ; near - freezing temperatures turn begonia foliage lightlessness . underwrite the plantsto prevent other cold spell from cut the blossom time of year unforesightful . When temperatures below 40 ℉ jeopardize in fall , get across potted plants with a blanket , tucking the blanket under the container to keep insensate air away from the plant . Early spill blasts of cold are often adopt by a stretchability of fond days . A little effort toprotect plantswill likely stretch the farm season a week or two .
Begonia . ASPCA .
