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 big do begonia plants grow?

Begonia plants are typically under 1 foot tall, with loads of colorful flowers up to 4 inches wide. Begonias are generally hardy in zones 9 & 10, and in colder zones (2 – 8), they can be grown as annuals and overwintered indoors to grow year after year.

Will begonias spread?

Sometimes called fibrous begonia, these deer-resistant, non-invasive plants form small clumps that grow anywhere from 6 to 18 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches.

Do begonias keep growing?

Many begonias are grown primarily for their decorative foliage, although some of these foliage types may also have nice flowers. Most foliage begonias grow from thick rhizomes that grow along or just beneath the soil surface. The growth habit is generally bushy or trailing, but there are a few tall foliage begonias.

Do begonias need sun or 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.

Is begonia indoor or outdoor plant?

Begonias are popular as annual bedding plants outdoors and as houseplants indoors. There are about 1500 different begonia species native to tropical regions worldwide, including Central and South America, Asia, and Africa.

Do begonias do well 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.

Do begonias make good houseplants?

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.

Is begonia an outdoor plant?

Often grown in containers indoors, begonias also can be grown outdoors during the frost-free months. If you live in a region that doesn’t experience freezing winter temperatures or frosts, keep the begonia tubers in the ground year-round. Select a planting site for your begonias in partial shade.

Do you have to deadhead begonias?

Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 6 through 11, depending on the cultivar, begonias (Begonia spp.) do not require deadheading to thrive. Rather they self-clean by dropping spent flowers on their own, says the University of Illinois Extension.

Article first time published on

What month do begonias flower?

Begonias grow in moist, shady gardens where they have well-drained soil, wind protection and filtered or indirect sunlight. A typical blooming season starts in June and ends with the first frost. They are so easy to grow that a broken stem or leaf stalk stuck in soil often roots as a new plant.

Are begonias annuals or perennials?

Although they are perennial in a warmer climate, most gardeners treat them as annual flowers. Tuberous begonias are probably the second-most popular outdoor begonia for gardeners. These grow from underground tubers into upright or trailing plants with stunning clusters of flowers.

Are begonias easy to care for?

Found in shades of white, pink, yellow, and scarlet, this flowering plant is hardy and easy to grow. All it requires is a little sun, a little water, and a lot of love. Your new begonia plant can be a part of your home décor for a long time if it is cared for in the right way.

How often do you water a begonia?

Water Needs A good rule of thumb is to water every two to four days. When it’s hot and dry you’ll need to water more often than when the air cools down and the soil holds more moisture. Begonia plants in full sun will also require more water than plants in shady locations.

Do begonias bloom all summer?

Begonias brighten up shady areas with their colorful blooms. Unlike most flowering plants, which require at least a half day of full sun, begonias actually prefer growing in the shade. They also never have a down time. Once begonias start flowering, they bloom continuously from summer to frost.

What do begonias symbolize?

Begonias are traditionally symbolic of uniqueness, harmony, gratitude, or caution. In addition, begonias of different colors come with their own importance. These subtropical flowers can be given on an anniversary, as a congratulatory gift, or as a way to say “thank you” to someone.

How much space do begonias need?

When weather permits, begonias can be transplanted to the garden bed, spacing about 10 to 18 inches (25-46 cm.) apart. Likewise, they can be placed in containers spaced approximately 3 to 4 inches (8-10 cm.) apart.

Do begonias do well in hanging baskets?

Most varieties of begonias grow great in sun or shade, making them a great choice for a hanging basket. Begonias are great for providing a full, drooping effect to your hanging basket.

What kind of pots do begonias like?

Plant begonias using a soilless potting mix in a pot with good drainage in the bottom. Begonias are particularly susceptible to root rot, so it can also be a good idea to add a layer pebbles or broken shards of old terracotta pots to the bottom for extra drainage.

Do begonias grow all year?

Begonias include hardy and tender perennials that grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 11, depending on type, which are grown as annuals or houseplants in cooler regions. The evergreen begonias survive winters within their USDA plant hardiness zones and grow all year.

How long do begonias take to grow?

It takes 12 to 14 weeks for a tuberous begonia to bloom after the tubers are planted, so most gardeners like to start their begonias indoors eight weeks before the last frost date or even sooner.

Do begonias come back every year UK?

Although often sold as half-hardy annuals, most Begonias varieties are actually perennials. However, they are not at all frost hardy. The following article will give you advice on bedding begonias over-winter within the UK. … Tuberous rooted begonias are prone to attack by Vine Weevil grub during the Summer.

How do I make my begonia Bushy?

General Pruning Pinch the stems back to the first or second healthy bud from the tip. You can repeat this process two or three times at about four week intervals to encourage maximum bushiness. Pinching forces the begonia to branch at the pinch point, resulting in more stems, leaves and flowers.

Are coffee grounds good for begonias?

Begonias do best with peat moss based soil. No coffee indoors or out. Coffee works well in compost where it is mixed with other things to get a more neutral food for plants.

Can begonias winter indoors?

Overwintering Annual Wax Begonia Some begonias can simply be brought indoors prior to the onset of cold weather for continual growth, such as with wax begonias. … Increase humidity levels but cut down on watering over winter. Once warm temperatures return, increase their watering and begin to move them back outdoors.

Why are my begonia petals turning brown?

The most common cause of brown leaf edges is that your Begonia is incredibly dry. Your Begonia likes consistent moisture. … Begonias do not like soggy soil or to sit in water, so be sure to discard any water that has accumulated in the saucer after watering.

Are begonias bad for dogs?

Begonia. Although its most toxic parts are underground, it’s still best to keep begonias out of reach of your pets. They cause vomiting in dogs and cats and can be even more dangerous for horses and grazing animals.

How do you keep begonias blooming?

Select a location receiving more direct morning or evening sunlight than mid day sun. Early morning / late day sunlight is much cooler with less intense rays. By keeping begonias out of the mid-day direct sun, the plants have less stress, and will produce more blooms.

When can begonias go outside?

Plant them outdoors in late spring after the soil is warm and all danger of frost has passed. For earlier flowers, the tubers may be started indoors in pots, about 8 weeks before you expect to plant them outdoors.

What is a trailing begonia?

For a truly spectacular display, trailing begonia plants have it all. Perfect for hanging baskets, flower pouches and window boxes; trailing begonia plug plants offer outstanding performance no matter what the weather throws at them. …

How long will begonias last?

No begonia has a long life span. Most live only 2 to 3 years even with good care. The tubers of tuberous begonias often last 4 to 5 years with good care. Tuberous begonias need a winter rest and don’t make good winter houseplants.