Is Begonia a Shade Plant? A Complete Guide to Growing Begonias in the Shade

Begonias are beautiful flowering plants that come in a wide variety of colors shapes, and sizes. With over 1800 species, there is a begonia for virtually every garden situation. One of the most common questions gardeners have is whether begonias can be grown in the shade. The short answer is yes! Many begonia varieties thrive in shady locations.

In this complete guide, we will dive into everything you need to know about growing begonias in the shade. We’ll overview the different types of begonias, discuss why they make great shade plants, provide tips for success, and recommend the best shade-loving varieties. Let’s get started illuminating those shady corners with vibrant begonias!

An Overview of Begonia Types

There are three main groups of begonias:

• Tuberous begonias – These begonias grow from tubers and produce some of the largest and brightest flowers of any shade plants. The flowers come in colors like red, pink, white, yellow, and orange. Tuberous begonias need shade protection, especially during the hottest parts of the day.

• Wax begonias – Also known as fibrous begonias, these plants have smaller clustered flowers. Wax begonias are one of the most versatile, tolerating both shade and some sunlight. Those with darker leaves can handle more sun.

• Rex begonias – Grown for their colorful and striking foliage, Rex begonia flowers are rather insignificant. The beautifully patterned leaves come in shades of green, red, silver, pink, and purple. Rex begonias thrive in shade and humid conditions.

Why Begonias Make Great Shade Plants

There are several reasons why begonias perform so well in shady garden locations:

• Begonias originate from tropical regions, so they are adapted to growing in the shelter of larger plants and trees. Dappled sunlight or bright shade mimics their natural environment.

• The leaves of many begonia varieties have iridescent qualities that allow them to maximize whatever light is available in shady conditions.

• Begonias need less intense light to bloom freely, compared to many other flowering plants. Shade reduces the chance of stressed, wilting leaves.

• High humidity is ideal for begonias. Shaded areas often have higher humidity than locations with blazing sun exposure.

• Begonias require less watering and thrive in the moist soils typical of shady gardens. Overwatering in full sun often leads to root rot.

Growing Begonias in the Shade

When planting begonias in a shady garden spot, follow these tips for success:

• Select begonia varieties suited for shade. Check plant tags or descriptions to be sure your variety can handle low light. Rex, tuberous, and wax begonias are all good choices.

• Give begonias rich, organic soil that retains moisture. Compost and peat moss create an ideal growing medium. Mulch to keep soil evenly moist.

• Water begonias when the top inch of soil becomes dry. Avoid wetting foliage, which can promote diseases like powdery mildew. Drip irrigation works well.

• Shelter begonias from hot afternoon sun. A few hours of early morning sun is often tolerated, but afternoon exposure leads to leaf scorch.

• Choose faster growing begonias to fill in shade gardens quickly. Wax begonias and the trailing ‘Whopper’ hybrids are quick to establish.

• Fertilize every 2-3 weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer or timed-release beads. Avoid overfeeding.

• Prune back leggy growth and deadhead spent blooms to encourage new flowering. Pinching also thickens growth.

• Bring containerized begonias indoors before first frost. Most cannot tolerate any freezing temperatures.

Best Begonia Varieties for the Shade

Here are some top performing begonia varieties that thrive in shaded garden locations:

Rex Begonias

• ‘Red Tango’ – Deep red foliage with green veins and ruffled leaf edges. Grows 18 inches tall.

• ‘Escargot’ – Unique spiraled foliage in green and silver. Compact at 12 inches tall.

• ‘Jurassic Watermelon’ – Large circular leaves resembling watermelon rinds. Light green with dark green spots.

Wax Begonias

• ‘Big Rose with Green Leaf’ – Extra-large pink blooms on full, mounded plants.

• ‘Queen of Hearts Red’ – Abundant cherry red flowers on bronze-green foliage. Grows 10-12 inches tall.

• ‘Bada Bing Scarlet’ – Prolific bright scarlet blooms bloom all season. Mounded habit to 15 inches.

Tuberous Begonias

• ‘Nonstop Joy Yellow’ – Massive semi-double yellow blooms on 12 inch plants. The best yellow variety.

• ‘On Top Cherry Blossom’ – Beautiful double pink flowers resemble carnations. Grows 14-20 inches tall.

• ‘Nonstop Mocca White’ – Handsome foliage with large white blooms tinged in pink. Grows to 18 inches.

Trailing/Cascade Begonias

• ‘Dragon Wing Red’ – Fiery red flowers bloom all season on trailing stems. Grows 12-15 inches.

• ‘Whopper Rose with Bronze Leaf’ – Prolific large pink blooms on cascading plants. Heat and drought tolerant.

• ‘Big Cascade White’ – Trailing basket-type with abundant pure white blooms. Grows 18-24 inches.

Combining With Other Shade Plants

Begonias pair beautifully with other plants that share their preference for shaded conditions. Combining begonias with these shade-loving annuals and perennials creates stunning displays:

• Coleus
• Impatiens
• Fuchsia
• Torenia
• Caladium
• Heuchera
• Hosta
• Astilbe
• Coral Bells
• Lily of the Valley
• Columbine
• Ferns
• Ivy

With their dazzling diversity of flower colors and foliage effects, begonias are a top choice for brightening up the shadiest corners of any garden. Follow the tips above to successfully grow begonias in shade and enjoy their gorgeous blooms all season long.