Begonias: Colorful Non-Native Beauties for Your Garden
If you’ve ever wandered through a garden center and been drawn to those cheerful, colorful flowers with the slightly succulent-looking leaves, chances are you were admiring begonias. These popular ornamental plants have found their way into gardens across the United States, bringing tropical flair to landscapes from Florida to Hawaii.
What Exactly Are Begonias?
Begonias belong to a large plant family that includes over 2,000 species worldwide. The begonias we commonly see in American gardens are typically treated as annuals, meaning they complete their life cycle in one growing season. These plants have a somewhat climbing or trailing growth habit, with stems that can be either woody or herbaceous depending on the variety.
Where You’ll Find Begonias Growing
In the United States, begonias have established themselves in several states including Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. It’s important to note that begonias are non-native plants that have been introduced to these areas. In Hawaii and the lower 48 states, they’ve shown the ability to reproduce and persist in the wild without human intervention.
Why Gardeners Love (and Sometimes Question) Begonias
There’s no denying that begonias bring serious flower power to the garden. Their blooms come in a rainbow of colors, and their foliage adds interesting texture to planting schemes. They’re particularly valuable for adding color to shaded areas where many other flowering plants struggle.
However, as a non-native species, begonias don’t provide the same ecological benefits as native plants. If you’re passionate about supporting local wildlife and pollinators, you might want to consider native alternatives that offer similar aesthetic appeal while providing food and habitat for local creatures.
Growing Begonias Successfully
If you decide to grow begonias, here’s what you need to know to keep them happy:
- Light requirements: Most begonias prefer partial shade to filtered sunlight
- Soil needs: Well-draining soil is essential to prevent root rot
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
- Temperature: As tender plants, they’re sensitive to frost and cold temperatures
Planting and Care Tips
Since begonias are typically grown as annuals, you’ll likely be replanting them each growing season. Plant them after the danger of frost has passed, and choose a location that receives morning sun but afternoon shade. Regular watering is important, but be careful not to overwater – begonias are susceptible to fungal problems in overly wet conditions.
Deadheading spent flowers will encourage continued blooming throughout the growing season. If you live in an area with mild winters, some begonias might survive as perennials with proper protection.
Native Alternatives to Consider
While begonias can certainly brighten up a garden, consider incorporating some native flowering plants alongside or instead of them. Native species will provide better support for local ecosystems while often requiring less water and maintenance once established. Your local native plant society can recommend beautiful flowering natives that thrive in your specific region.
The Bottom Line on Begonias
Begonias are undeniably attractive plants that can add color and interest to your garden, especially in shaded areas. As non-native species, they won’t contribute to local ecosystem health the way native plants do, but they’re not currently flagged as invasive either. If you choose to grow them, do so responsibly, and consider balancing your garden with native plants that support local wildlife. After all, the best gardens are those that are both beautiful and beneficial to the world around them.
