Ever-flowering begonia in pots and flowerbeds- 33 inspirational ideas

A colorful addition to summer flower beds, begonias are popular plants that can bloom year-round in ideal conditions.

Begonias are tropical plants that’ll grow in zones 3-10. They prefer areas that receive a lot of light but also enjoy some protection from the sun. An ideal spot in the landscape is somewhere the plants will get plenty of sunshine in the morning and a bit of shade in the afternoon.

Wax begonias, sometimes called bedding begonias, are common in flowerbeds and known for their red, pink or white flowers. They tolerate extended periods of direct sunlight better than other types. The tuberous begonia, which likes more shade and less heat, is prized for its larger flowers, bright colors and foliage. Some are even fragrant.

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How to Plant Begonias

Directions will vary depending on the begonia you choose, but there are a few general rules of thumb when it comes to planting begonias.

Plant them in the spring. Begonias can be planted outdoors once winter is over and there’s no threat of frost. Temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit can damage them, so plant them in the early spring if it’s consistently warm enough. Planting them indoors gives you more flexibility since you can control the climate.
Plant them in a semi-shaded area. A begonia’s ideal location gets filtered morning sun and afternoon shade—the best of both worlds, especially if the climate is hot. No matter what kind of begonia you have, plant it in a place where there’s ample air circulation to prevent a buildup of powdery mildew on its leaves.
Give them enough space. Wax begonia transplants should be planted six to eight inches apart to prevent overcrowding. Tuberous varieties, or tubers, can be started inside by placing them one inch apart in a tray of potting mix. Once they sprout and outdoor temperatures are warm enough, you can plant them in your garden with ample space in between.

How Much Water Do Begonias Need?

When it comes to watering begonias, it is important to always keep the soil moist. It is best to water your begonias every few days or when the soil begins to dry out. Keep in mind that begonias are susceptible to rotting if the soil conditions are too wet or if the plant is overwatered. To prevent water from pooling in the tuber, it is recommended to water around the tuber as opposed to directly atop of it.

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What Is The Best Soil for Begonias?

Begonias prefer well-drained soil and will tolerate acidic, sandy, and clay soil, as long as it’s well-drained. Because Begonias are highly susceptible to stem and root rotting, it’s important that your begonias have a proper drainage system. You can ensure that your begonias aren’t exposed to overly wet soil by choosing a lighter potting soil that has extra perlite or by creating your own soil mix of peat moss, perlite, and potting soil. Be sure to use equal parts of each soil type.

How to Care for Begonias in Pots

Begonias prefer growing in light, rich soil with a good concentration of humus, similar to the makeup of potting soil. So it’s no surprise the plants tend to thrive in containers. Begonias planted in a pot should be spaced 4-6″ apart and with the tubers buried hollow-side up. To prevent the soil from drying out, begonias in containers need to be watered more frequently than those planted in the ground. It’s important to keep the soil moist but not soggy, otherwise root rot can occur and kill the plants.