Begonias: Colourful, Versatile, and Surprisingly Easy to Grow
Looking to brighten up your garden, patio, or balcony this season? Begonias might just be the answer. With their vibrant blooms, striking foliage, and versatility, begonias are a firm favourite for both experienced gardeners and beginners alike. Whether you're filling hanging baskets, patio pots, or garden borders, these eye-catching plants are a brilliant choice.
Why Choose Begonias?
Begonias offer a wide variety of colours, sizes, and growth habits. They’re one of the few flowering plants that thrive in shaded areas, making them incredibly useful for tricky spots in the garden. As a bonus, they’re also relatively low maintenance.
Types of Begonias
There are many different types, but the most commonly grown garden varieties include:
-
Tuberous Begonias – Known for their large, bold flowers and trailing or upright habits. Perfect for hanging baskets and containers.
-
Fibrous-rooted (Wax) Begonias – Compact plants with neat growth and small flowers, ideal for borders and pots.
-
Rex Begonias – Grown mainly for their ornate foliage, often used as houseplants.
Where to Plant
Begonias prefer a sheltered spot with bright but indirect light. Too much strong sun can scorch the leaves, while too much shade can reduce flowering. Morning sun and afternoon shade is often ideal.
They’re perfect for:
-
Hanging baskets and window boxes
-
Patio pots
-
Shadier garden borders
-
Indoor plant displays (particularly Rex varieties)
How to Care for Begonias
Watering: Keep the compost evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Let the top layer dry out slightly before watering again. Always avoid letting them sit in standing water.
Feeding: A balanced liquid feed every 2–4 weeks during the growing season will help keep them flowering well.
Deadheading: Regularly remove faded flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
Pruning: Pinch back leggy growth to maintain a compact shape and remove any damaged or yellowing leaves.
Overwintering Tuberous Begonias
If you're growing tuberous begonias, you can lift and store them once the foliage has died back in autumn. Gently remove any compost, let them dry out, then store in a cool, dry place (such as a shed or garage) over winter. Replant in spring after the last frost.
Final Thoughts
Begonias are a brilliant addition to any garden – colourful, easy to grow, and adaptable to many settings. Whether you’re planting up a summer display or adding life to a shaded corner, they’ll provide months of colour and interest with very little fuss.
If you haven’t grown begonias before, this might just be the year to give them a try.