Are begonias sun or shade plants?

Category: home and garden landscaping
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Begonia Basics
Morning sun (and a little afternoon shade) is perfect. Wax begonias can tolerate more sun than other types, and the ones with bronze-colored leaves are the most sun-tolerant of all. Tuberous begonias prefer more shade and less heat, so we often see them on display in late summer.



Simply so, where should I plant begonias?

Where to Plant

  • Outdoors: Begonias prefer shade, rich soil and require some regular care, so try to plant them in an area that is easily accessible.
  • Indoors: If you're starting tubers inside, place planted Begonias in a warm location with indirect sunlight, preferably an eastern, western, or southern-facing window.

Also, can I plant begonias in full sun? Begonias may have single or double flowers. Though typically recommended as shade plants, several begonia varieties (Begonia spp.) grow well in full sun. As tropical plants, they have the added advantage of thriving in hot weather.

Additionally, where should I plant begonias sun or shade?

Tuberous begonias do best in filtered shade or shaded areas that receive bright indirect light. Balance is important. Too little sun brings few blooms, but too much sun burns tender flowers and foliage. These tender tubers are hardy in USDA zones 9 through 11, and prefer cool summers over heat and humidity.

Can begonias tolerate morning sun?

First of all it is important to note that overall, begonias perform best in light shade or part sun, that is 4-6 hours of morning sun and will do well in deeper shade, especially the tuberous Non-Stops and the flashy foliage types such as Rex begonias.

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How do you keep begonias blooming?

Following some general growing tips common to most begonias, however, probably will encourage your plants to bloom.
  1. Grow begonias in bright, indirect sunlight or dappled sunlight, preferably in an area with high humidity.
  2. Water begonias thoroughly when the top 1/2 to 1 inch of their soil feels dry.

Do begonias grow back every year?

Begonias are annuals, so they won't grow back each year. Therefore, each year you will have to replant them, typically in mid spring. Begonias don't handle cold temperatures and frost well, so wait until at least one week after the final frost of winter to plant them.

How do you care for potted begonias?

Water begonias carefully.
  1. Let the potting soil dry out slightly between watering during lower light and cooler temperatures of late fall and winter.
  2. If possible, use room temperature water that has been distilled.
  3. Mist the foliage of Rex (foliage) type begonias twice a week or provide high humidity to avoid leaf drop.

How big does a begonia get?

They grow 12 to 18 inches tall and wide and thrive in part shade to full shade locations. They'll bloom from early summer until frost with clusters of slightly fragrant, light pink flowers, and they have large heart-shaped medium green leaves.

How do I save begonias for next year?


Take the following steps to save your potted tuberous begonia tubers: Remove plant from pot before hard frosts occur. Cut back most of the top of the plant, leaving the ball of roots and soil intact. Place in a dry, cool storage area (a basement or garage) and allow the tubers to cure for several weeks.

Do begonias do well in pots?

Begonias are tropical perennials that thrive in warmth and, typically, partial light. Tuberous begonias are suitable options for begonia container gardens as they work well with the light texture of potting mix, and they work as bedding plants, too. These types of begonias are either upright or trailing.

Do Begonias need a lot of water?

The main rule of thumb for watering begonias is to not let the soil dry out completely. Stick your finger into the soil, and if it dry to your first knuckle, it's time to water. Avoid overwatering, which will cause the foliage to turn yellow and eventually drop.

When should begonias be planted?

WHEN TO PLANT: Begonias should be planted outdoors in late spring after any threat of any frost has passed. TIPS FOR GETTING AN EARLY START: For earlier flowers, you can start your begonias in pots indoors 8 weeks before you expect to plant them outdoors.

How do you deadhead begonias?

To deadhead your tuberous begonias, pinch the faded bloom from the stem with your thumb and fingers, squeezing the stem just behind the bloom. Inspect your plant daily and remove blooms that have begun to fade. Signs of fading include faded color, brown spots, and shriveled, or withered, appearance.

How often do you water coleus plants?


Soil that is too dense may cause the roots to rot. In hot months, coleus grown in pots outdoors will need watering once or twice a day. If they are grown indoors, watering every two or three days is usually sufficient unless the indoor air is especially dry.

Do begonias spread?

Trailing-scandent begonias grow along the ground or vine up tree trunks. They can grow from 6 inches to 8 feet or more. They form roots at the nodes and can spread over large areas. Thick-stemmed begonias develop treelike stems and in warm climates can grow 20 feet tall.

Will begonias grow in shade?

Most begonias grow best in part shade (4 to 6 hours of direct morning sun a day), or filtered sun (as through trees). Most will tolerate full shade (no direct or filtered sun), but won't be as dense and usually have fewer flowers. A few grow in full sun. They prefer moist, but not soggy, soils.

Are begonias poisonous to dogs?

Begonias are considered to be poisonous to dogs and cats by the ASPCA . This plant contains insoluble oxalates which provide its toxicity. Insoluble oxalates are derived from oxalic acid, which is one of the strongest organic acids found in plants and fungi. According to the ASPCA, tubers are the most toxic to dogs.

How much water do impatiens need?

Supplying about 1 inch of water once a week is usually enough, but the plants may require more frequent watering if the soil dries out more quickly. Impatiens in containers need more frequent watering. Check soil moisture daily and water when the top 1 inch begins to dry.

How do you take care of double begonias?


Other common names are wax begonia and bedding begonia.
  1. Plant double begonias from starts in May through August in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 8.
  2. Grow double begonias in part shade to part sun and soil with good drainage.
  3. Space the plants 6-to-12 inches apart in the garden or a container.

Can begonias live inside?

Generally, fibrous and rhizomatous begonias make excellent houseplants while tuberous begonias can be grown as houseplants but have a harder time surviving due to the need for higher humidity and light than the other two kinds. Begonias grown indoors are especially susceptible to root rot and overwatering.

What colors do begonias come in?

Rieger begonias
They come in colors that include bright red, orange, pink, white, and yellow, and if you use them as houseplants, make sure you give them a lot of sun – but not direct sunlight.