If you want a plant that brings constant color to your garden, look no further than Begonia semperflorens. These bright and cheerful blooms are a favorite for good reason, offering non-stop flowers with minimal fuss. Often called wax begonias or bedding begonias, they are the workhorses of the summer garden. Their glossy, waxy leaves provide a beautiful backdrop for the clusters of flowers that appear from spring straight through to the first frost.
They are incredibly versatile. You can use them in flower beds, borders, window boxes, and containers. Whether you have full sun or a shady spot, there’s likely a variety that will thrive. This guide will give you all the practical tips you need to grow healthy, flowering begonias in your own space.
Begonia Semperflorens
This group of begonias is known for its “ever-flowering” nature, which is what semperflorens means. They are tender perennials typically grown as annuals in most climates. What makes them so popular is there reliability. While other plants might have a big burst of bloom then fade, these guys keep producing new flowers consistently.
They come in a few main forms. The most common have green or bronze-red leaves with white, pink, or red flowers. The size can vary from compact 6-inch mounds to taller varieties reaching a foot or more. The flowers themselves can be single or double, resembling tiny roses. All share that characteristic waxy texture on both leaf and bloom, which helps them resist heat and dry conditions better than many other plants.
Choosing the Right Spot for Success
Getting the location right is the first step to a great display. Begonia semperflorens are flexible, but they do have preferences.
Light is the most important factor. Traditionally, they are considered shade plants, but many modern varieties love the sun.
* For Sun: If your tag says “sun-tolerant,” choose a spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sun. Morning sun is ideal. In very hot climates, some afternoon shade will prevent scorching. Sun-loving types often have bronze or reddish foliage, which protects them from strong rays.
* For Shade: They perform beautifully in partial to full shade, producing lush green leaves and abundant flowers. In deep shade, flowering may be slightly reduced, but the foliage will still look attractive.
The soil condition is just as crucial. They absolutely must have well-draining soil. Soggy roots are the quickest way to lose your plants.
* In Garden Beds: Work some compost or peat moss into the soil before planting. This improves drainage and adds nutrients. Raised beds are an excellent option if your native soil is heavy clay.
* In Containers: Always use a high-quality potting mix, not garden soil. Ensure your pots have drainage holes. Adding a handful of perlite to the mix can give even better drainage.
Planting Your Begonias Correctly
Once you have your plants and your spot, it’s time to plant. Timing is key—wait until all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. Begonias hate cold, wet feet.
Follow these steps for best results:
1. Harden Off Plants: If your begonias came from a greenhouse, acclimate them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days. Put them outside in a sheltered spot for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the time.
2. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole slightly wider but no deeper than the root ball of your plant.
3. Check the Depth: Place the plant in the hole. The top of the root ball should be level with the surrounding soil surface. Planting too deep can cause stem rot.
4. Backfill and Water: Fill in around the roots with soil and gently firm it down. Water thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.
Spacing depends on the variety. Check the plant tag, but generally, space compact types 6-8 inches apart and larger ones 10-12 inches apart. This allows for good air circulation, which prevents disease.
Essential Care and Maintenance
The beauty of Begonia semperflorens is their low maintenance. A little consistent care yields spectacular results.
Watering Wisely
The goal is to keep the soil lightly moist, but never wet. Overwatering is a common mistake.
* Check the Soil: Stick your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
* Water at the Base: Water the soil directly, avoiding the leaves and flowers. This helps prevent powdery mildew and other fungal issues.
* Morning Watering: Watering in the morning gives the foliage time to dry during the day.
Feeding for More Flowers
While not heavy feeders, a little fertilizer encourages more of those bright and cheerful blooms.
* At planting time, you can mix a slow-release granular fertilizer into the soil.
* During the growing season, a monthly dose of a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (like a 10-10-10) works well. Some gardeners have good results with a formula higher in phosphorus (the middle number) to promote blooming.
* Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer label—more is not better.
Deadheading and Pruning
You don’t need to deadhead these begonias, as they are self-cleaning. However, pinching off the occasional spent flower or leggy stem can keep the plant looking tidy and bushy. If a plant gets a bit straggly by midsummer, you can give it a light trim all over to encourage fresh new growth.
Common Pests and Problems
Begonia semperflorens are relatively trouble-free, but keep an eye out for a few things.
* Powdery Mildew: This looks like white powder on the leaves. Improve air circulation, avoid wetting foliage, and remove affected leaves. Fungicidal sprays are available for severe cases.
* Snails and Slugs: These pests love tender begonia leaves, especially in shady, moist areas. Use bait, traps, or hand-pick them at night.
* Stem and Root Rot: Caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Ensure soil drains well and let it dry slightly between waterings. There’s not much you can do once rot sets in, so prevention is key.
Overwintering Your Plants
Since they are tender, frost will kill them. But if you have a favorite variety, you can try to save it over winter.
* As a Houseplant: Before the first frost, dig up the plant, pot it in fresh potting mix, and bring it indoors. Place it in a bright window and water sparingly over winter.
* Taking Cuttings: This is often more succesful. Take 3-4 inch stem cuttings in late summer, remove the lower leaves, and place them in water or moist potting mix. They root easily. Once rooted, pot them up and grow them on a sunny windowsill until spring.
Design Ideas for Your Garden
Their neat, mounding habit and constant color make them perfect for many garden uses.
* Mass Plantings: For a dramatic effect, plant a large swath of a single color. A bed of all-white begonias can light up a shady area.
* Edging and Borders: Use the compact varieties to create a defined edge along a walkway or garden bed. They provide a crisp, clean look all season.
* Container Combinations: They are stellar container plants. Pair them with trailing plants like ivy, sweet potato vine, or lobelia for a “thriller, filler, spiller” effect. They also look fantastic on their own in a simple pot.
* Patterns and Colors: Use different leaf and flower colors to create patterns or stripes in a bed. The contrast between bronze leaves and white flowers is particularly striking.
With there simple needs and generous flowering habit, it’s easy to see why Begonia semperflorens remain a top choice. They provide reliable beauty without demanding constant attention, making them perfect for both new and experienced gardeners looking for a guaranteed display.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do wax begonias like sun or shade?
Modern varieties are very adaptable. Many thrive in full sun (6+ hours), especially those with bronze foliage. Others prefer partial shade. Always check the plant tag for the specific variety’s recommendation.
How often should I water my bedding begonias?
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. This might be every few days in hot, sunny weather, or less often in cool or shady conditions. The goal is consistent, light moisture.
Why are the leaves on my begonia turning yellow?
Yellow leaves are often a sign of overwatering. Check that the soil is draining properly and let it dry out a bit more between waterings. It can also indicate a need for fertilizer.
Can I grow ever-flowering begonias from seed?
Yes, but they are very fine seeds and require patience. They need light to germinate, so are surface-sown. It’s often easier to purchase starter plants from a garden center for immediate impact.
Are these begonias perennials?
They are tender perennials in zones 10-11. In most other climates, they are grown as annuals because they cannot survive freezing winter temperatures. You can bring them indoors to overwinter.
Do they attract pollinators?
While not the top pollinator magnet, the flowers can attract bees and other insects, especially when planted in large groups. They are not typically considered a deer-resistant plant.