Tuberous Begonias

Why Should I Grow Tuberous Begonias?

Tuberous Begonias are a fantastic addition to any garden or indoor space for several reasons:

Spectacular Flowers: Tuberous Begonias boast large, vibrant blooms in a wide range of colors. These flowers can add a pop of color to any space, making them an excellent choice for aesthetic purposes.

Versatility: These plants can be grown in a variety of settings – in the ground, in pots or containers, or even hanging baskets. This flexibility allows gardeners to use them in many ways around the garden or home.

Shade Tolerance: Unlike many flowering plants, Tuberous Begonias perform well in partial shade, making them perfect for those less sunny spots in your garden.

Extended Blooming Season: They have a long flowering period, often from early summer until the first frost, providing color for many months.

Low Maintenance: Once established in the right conditions, Tuberous Begonias require little care beyond regular watering and occasional feeding, making them a relatively low-maintenance option for busy gardeners.

Deer and Rabbit Resistant: These plants are typically not a preferred food source for deer or rabbits, which can help keep your garden intact if these animals are common in your area.

Good for Indoor Culture: If you live in a colder region, Tuberous Begonias can be grown indoors as houseplants, bringing color and beauty into your home year-round.

Garden Design with Tuberous Begonia

Tuberous begonias offer a wide range of design possibilities for your garden thanks to their brilliant colors, lush foliage, and ability to grow in different environments. Here are some garden design ideas with tuberous begonias:

Containers and Hanging Baskets: Due to their compact size and trailing or upright habit, tuberous begonias are perfect for containers and hanging baskets. A hanging basket of trailing begonias could become a striking focal point in your patio or balcony.

Shady Areas: Tuberous begonias are perfect for areas in your garden that receive partial shade. They can be paired with other shade-loving plants such as hostas and ferns to create a beautiful woodland garden effect.

Borders: Use tuberous begonias to add color to your garden borders. The smaller varieties can be used at the front of the border, while the taller ones can provide height and structure at the back.

Mixed Plantings: Mix them with other summer-blooming plants for a continuous display of color. They pair well with impatiens, coleus, and fuchsias, which have similar light and water requirements.

Mass Plantings: For a dramatic effect, plant a mass of tuberous begonias together. A large group of begonias blooming in unison creates a vibrant splash of color.

Remember to account for their growth habit when designing – upright varieties can provide vertical interest, while trailing ones will spill beautifully over the edges of containers. Regardless of how you use them, tuberous begonias are sure to add color and interest to your garden.

Companion Plants for Tuberous Begonia

Tuberous begonias have gorgeous, lush foliage and vivid blooms, making them ideal for combinations with other plants with similar light and watering requirements. Here are some great companion plants for tuberous begonia:

Ferns: The texture contrast between the smooth, bold leaves of begonias and the delicate, feathery foliage of ferns can create a beautiful effect in a shade garden.

Impatiens: Like begonias, impatiens love shade and moist soil, and they can contribute a variety of colors to the mix.

Hostas: These plants have striking foliage and thrive in similar conditions to tuberous begonias. They add a contrasting shape and texture.

Coleus: Coleus is known for its colorful, patterned foliage which can complement or contrast with begonia’s bright flowers.

Heuchera: Also known as coral bells, these plants provide beautiful foliage in a variety of colors that pair well with begonias.

Fuchsia: These plants offer stunning hanging blossoms that match the display put on by tuberous begonias.

Lobelia: The dainty, cascading blooms of lobelia can complement the boldness of tuberous begonia flowers.

Remember, tuberous begonias love rich, well-drained soil and partial to full shade, so be sure to choose companions that thrive under similar conditions.

Growing Tips

Growing tuberous begonias can be a rewarding experience, as they offer bright and continuous color in the shade where few other flowers thrive. Here are some steps to grow them successfully:

Purchase Bulbs: Buy healthy begonia tubers from a trusted nursery or online. Look for plump tubers with no visible damage or signs of disease.

Choose the Right Location: Tuberous begonias thrive in a location with partial to full shade and protection from strong winds. They’re ideal for a north or east-facing garden or under trees and shrubs.

Prepare the Soil: Begonias prefer light, well-draining, fertile soil. Amend your soil with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve its structure and nutrient content.

Planting: Plant the tubers in the spring after the last threat of night frost, approximately 6 inches (15 cm) apart and slightly below the soil line (they rot easily when planted too deep). They can be started indoors, 6-8 weeks before the last frost date to get a “jump” on the season and produce earlier blooms.

Watering: Water the tubers thoroughly after planting, then water sparingly until you see sprouts. Once the plants are established, keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot.

Fertilizing: Feed your begonias every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced flower fertilizer to promote blooms.

Pruning: Prune off spent flowers to encourage new blooms. In fall, cut back foliage after it yellows and dies back.

Overwintering: In cooler areas than zones 9-11, dig up the tubers before the first frost. Store them in a dry, cool (but not freezing) place over winter and replant in spring.

By providing the right conditions and care, you can enjoy the stunning blooms of tuberous begonias throughout the summer and fall.