How to Grow Begonias in Containers
Begonia species
Begonias offer extraordinary diversity - from rose-like blooms of tuberous types to the kaleidoscopic foliage of rex begonias. These shade-loving tropicals thrive in containers, bringing color to challenging north-facing spots. Whether you want cascading flowers, year-round foliage, or heat-tolerant bedding plants, there's a begonia for every container garden.
Best Begonia Types for Containers
Tuberous Begonias
Large, rose-like flowers up to 4 inches across. Upright and cascading forms. Need cool shade. Store tubers over winter. Colors include red, pink, orange, yellow, white. Best for: spectacular focal points, cool-climate shade.
Wax/Fibrous Begonias
Compact plants with waxy leaves and small but abundant flowers. Most heat-tolerant type. Bronze-leaved varieties handle more sun. Best for: heat, mass plantings, easiest care.
Rex Begonias
Grown for extraordinary foliage - swirls of silver, purple, pink, and green. Flowers are insignificant. Need humidity. Best for: foliage interest, houseplants, terrariums.
Dragon Wing/Angel Wing
Vigorous cane types with wing-shaped leaves and cascading flower clusters. More sun and heat tolerant. Excellent for large containers and hanging baskets. Best for: dramatic displays, sun tolerance.
Common Problems and Solutions
Powdery Mildew
White powdery coating on leaves. Caused by poor air circulation and dry foliage with moist soil. Improve airflow, water at soil level, remove affected leaves.
Root Rot
Wilting despite moist soil, mushy stems at base. Overwatering or poor drainage. Reduce watering, improve drainage, remove severely affected plants.
Leaf Scorch
Brown, crispy edges or bleached leaves from too much sun. Move to shadier location. Tuberous and rex types are especially sun-sensitive.
Botrytis (Gray Mold)
Fuzzy gray mold on flowers and leaves in cool, damp conditions. Improve air circulation, remove affected parts, avoid wetting foliage. Common on tuberous types.
Leggy Growth
Not enough light. Move to brighter location. Pinch tips to encourage branching. Even shade plants need adequate indirect light.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main types of begonias?
Three main groups: 1) Tuberous begonias with large, rose-like flowers - need shade, cool temps, and winter dormancy. 2) Wax/fibrous begonias - small flowers, waxy leaves, most heat-tolerant, grown as annuals. 3) Rex begonias - grown for spectacular foliage rather than flowers, houseplant favorites.
How do I overwinter tuberous begonias?
After frost blackens foliage, dig tubers, let dry, remove stems and roots. Store in peat or paper bags in cool (45-55F), dark, dry location. Check monthly for rot. Replant in spring when new growth appears or start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost.
Why are my begonia leaves turning brown?
Too much direct sun, underwatering, or low humidity causes browning. Move to shadier spot, water when top inch is dry, and mist in dry conditions. Brown edges can also indicate fertilizer burn - flush soil with plain water.
Can begonias take full sun?
Wax begonias with bronze/dark leaves tolerate more sun than green-leaved types. Dragon wing and some newer varieties handle full sun if kept moist. Tuberous and rex begonias need shade - direct sun scorches their leaves. Morning sun with afternoon shade works for most.
Why do my begonia flowers rot before opening?
Botrytis (gray mold) thrives in humid, cool, still conditions. Improve air circulation, water at soil level (not on foliage), remove affected blooms, and don't overcrowd plants. This is common in tuberous begonias in wet weather.
How often should I water begonias?
Water when top inch of soil is dry. Begonias are prone to both overwatering (root rot) and underwatering (wilting). Waxy types are more drought-tolerant; tuberous types need consistent moisture. Never let containers sit in water.
What are Dragon Wing begonias?
Vigorous cane-type begonias with wing-shaped leaves and cascading clusters of flowers. More sun and heat tolerant than most begonias. Excellent for hanging baskets and large containers. Red, pink, and white varieties available.
Can I grow begonias indoors year-round?
Yes! Rex begonias are excellent houseplants grown for foliage. Wax begonias bloom indoors with bright indirect light. Tuberous types need winter dormancy. Provide humidity for best results - they're tropical plants.
Related Gardening Guides
Plan Your Shade Container Garden
Use our AI-powered garden planner to create stunning shade displays featuring begonias and complementary plants.
Try AI Garden Planner