Grow Wax Begonias for Nonstop Summer Blooms

Botanical name:

Begonia semperflorens (semperflorens means "always flowering") and Begonia x benariensis

Hardiness Zones:

9-11, typically grown as an annual or houseplant

Growth habit:

Mounding

Height/spread:

6 to 24 inches tall and wide

Exposure:

Shade to full sun

Bloom time:

Late spring until frost

Flowers:

Single or double flowers up to 2 inches across come in shades of red, pink, or white. Most have prominent yellow stamens.

Foliage:

The rounded, waxy leaves are usually green or bronze, but you can also find hybrids with variegated foliage.

Special attributes:

Ever-blooming, heat tolerant, rabbit and deer resistant, self-cleaning, few insect or disease problems.

Surefire® Red begonia (center). Photo by: Proven Winners.

When to plant:

In late spring, after all threat of frost has passed and when temperatures stay above 50 degrees F at night.

Where to plant:

A location that receives partial shade is best, but plants will also tolerate full sun. In hot southern climates, protect plants from harsh afternoon sunlight.

How to plant:

Wax begonias are easiest to grow from nursery-grown plants transplanted into the garden in spring. Begonias can also be planted from seed, but because the seeds have a long germination period, you’ll need to start them indoors about 12 weeks before the last expected frost date.

Soil:

Grow in fertile, well-draining soil amended with organic matter.

Spacing:

To ensure good air circulation, space plants at least 8 to 12 inches apart, depending on their size at maturity.

Do wax begonias like sun or shade? Wax begonias adapt well to different light requirements and will thrive in both both sunny and shaded garden beds, making them a great unifying plant. Varieties with bronze foliage tend to fare better in direct sun than those with green leaves. Although wax begonias can be grown in full shade, they may become scraggly and not flower as vigorously.

Is wax begonia an annual or a perennial? Like impatiens, wax begonias are tender perennials that are treated as annuals in climates where they might be exposed to frost.

Do wax begonias come back every year? Because wax begonias are not frost tolerant, they won't come back each year unless they are overwintered indoors. You will need to start new plants in the spring.

Do wax begonias spread? No. Wax begonias are non-invasive, clump-forming plants and will not spread like rhizomatous begonias.

Can wax begonias survive winter? Only in the mildest climates (zones 9-11). Otherwise, pot them up in fall for indoor blooms. You can move your potted plants back outdoors once warm weather returns in spring.

Do wax begonias make good houseplants? Yes, they are beautiful and easy-to-grow indoor plants and will often bloom all year long if grown in a bright, sunny window or under artificial lights. Learn more about growing begonias as houseplants.

Are wax begonias poisonous? Yes, all types of begonias are mildly toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, according to the ASPCA. Although the most toxic parts of the plant are beneath the soil, it’s still best to keep wax begonias out of reach of pets, particularly when growing plants indoors.