Scarlet Begonia

If you’re looking for a flower that commands attention and brings a touch of magic to your beds, look no further than the scarlet begonia. This vibrant and enchanting garden favorite is surprisingly easy to grow, offering a long season of brilliant color with just a little know-how.

With their lush, wing-shaped leaves and clusters of bright blooms, these plants create stunning displays in containers, hanging baskets, and shady borders. Let’s get you started on growing these beauties successfully.

Scarlet begonias belong primarily to the Begonia semperflorens (wax begonia) or Begonia tuberhybrida (tuberous begonia) families. They are prized for their consistent, fire-engine red flowers and often glossy, green or bronze foliage. Unlike some finicky plants, they reward your efforts generously from late spring right up to the first frost.

Why Choose Scarlet Begonias for Your Space?

There are several compelling reasons to make these plants a garden staple:

Long Bloom Time: They provide non-stop color for months, outlasting many annuals.
Shade Tolerance: They thrive in partial to full shade, brightening up darker garden corners.
Versatility: Perfect for pots, window boxes, mass plantings, and as indoor houseplants.
Low Maintenance: Once established, they require minimal care beyond watering and occasional feeding.

Getting Started: Planting Your Scarlet Begonias

Success begins with proper planting. You can start from seeds, tubers, or young nursery plants. For most gardeners, purchasing small bedding plants is the quickest route to a colorful display.

Choosing the Right Location

Light is crucial. While often labeled for shade, scarlet begonias perform best in dappled sunlight or morning sun with afternoon shade. Too much intense, direct sun can scorch their leaves and fade the flowers. A spot with bright, indirect light all day is also excellent.

Soil and Planting Steps

These plants demand excellent drainage. Waterlogged soil quickly leads to root rot. Here’s how to plant them:

Prepare the soil by mixing in generous amounts of compost or peat moss to improve texture and fertility.
If planting in containers, use a high-quality, lightweight potting mix. Ensure pots have drainage holes.
Dig a hole slightly larger than the plant’s root ball. Space wax begonias about 6-8 inches apart; space larger tuberous varieties 12 inches apart.
Place the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Gently fill in around it.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots.

Caring for Your Vibrant Blooms

Consistent care keeps your begonias healthy and flowering profusely. The main tasks are watering, feeding, and a bit of grooming.

Watering Wisely

The goal is to keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy. Stick your finger an inch into the soil; if it feels dry, it’s time to water. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can encourage fungal diseases. Early morning is the best time to water.

Feeding for Abundant Flowers

To support all those blooms, your begonias need regular nutrition. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (like a 10-10-10) every two weeks during the growing season. Alternatively, you can mix a slow-release fertilizer into the soil at planting time—this provides a steady supply of nutrients for several months.

Deadheading and Grooming

While many modern begonias are self-cleaning, removing spent flowers (deadheading) encourages more blooms and keeps plants looking tidy. Simply pinch off the old flower and its little stem where it meets the main stem. Also, remove any yellow or damaged leaves you see to improve air circulation.

Overwintering Your Plants

In most climates, scarlet begonias are treated as annuals. But if you want to save them, you can overwinter them indoors. For wax begonias, you can dig up the plant, pot it, and bring it inside to a sunny window. Treat it as a houseplant, watering sparingly.

For tuberous begonias, the process is different:

After the first frost, carefully dig up the tubers.
Cut off the stems about an inch above the tuber.
Let the tubers dry in a warm, airy place for about two weeks.
Store them in a box of dry peat moss or sand in a cool, dark place (like a basement) over winter.
Replant them in pots indoors in late winter to get a head start on the next season.

Common Problems and Simple Solutions

Even tough plants can face issues. Here’s how to handle common begonia troubles:

Powdery Mildew: A white, powdery coating on leaves. Improve air flow, avoid wetting foliage, and treat with a fungicide if needed.
Stem or Root Rot: Caused by overwatering. Ensure soil drains well and let the top inch of soil dry between waterings.
Slugs and Snails: They love begonia leaves. Use organic slug bait or traps to protect your plants, especially in damp weather.
Leaf Spot: Brown or black spots on leaves. Remove affected leaves and avoid overhead watering to prevent its spread.

Design Ideas for Your Garden

The bold color of scarlet begonias makes them a fantastic design element. Here are a few ways to use them:

Mass Planting: Create a stunning carpet of red in a shady bed under trees.
Container Combos: Pair them with silver dusty miller, trailing blue lobelia, or white alyssum for a patriotic or classic look. Their vibrant color also complements deep green ferns beautifully.
Border Edging: Use compact wax begonias to define a garden path with a pop of consistent color.
Hanging Baskets: Choose cascading tuberous begonia varieties for a spectacular, overflowing display on porches or pergolas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are scarlet begonias perennials?

They are tender perennials in warm climates (USDA zones 10-11) but are most commonly grown as annuals everywhere else. They can be brought indoors during winter.

How often should I water my potted begonia?

Check pots daily in hot weather. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Pots dry out much faster than garden soil, so they need more frequent attention.

Why are my begonia’s leaves turning yellow?

Yellow leaves are often a sign of overwatering. Let the soil dry out a bit more between waterings. It could also indicate a need for fertilizer, especially if the plant has been in the same pot for a long while.

Do begonias attract pollinators?

While they are not the top choice for bees, their bright color can attract some pollinators. They are primarily grown for their ornamental visual impact in the garden.

Can I grow scarlet begonias from seed?

Yes, but it requires patience. The seeds are very fine and need light to germinate. They must be started indoors 12-14 weeks before the last frost date. For most, starting with small plants is easier and quicker.

Adding scarlet begonias to your garden is a surefire way to inject vibrant, lasting color into your outdoor space. By following these simple steps for planting, watering, and feeding, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning display that lasts for months. Their ability to flourish in shade, combined with their relatively easy care, makes them a brilliant choice for both new and experienced gardeners looking for a reliable showstopper. With a little planning, you can enjoy their enchanting blooms from season to season.