Tuberous Begonias Brighten Shady Gardens

Brighten up those shady spots in the garden with tuberous begonias.

These South American beauties come in a variety of heights, bloom sizes and color. You’ll find varieties with large 6” diameter flowers, some with blossoms that look like camellia blooms and others with ruffled petals.

Standard upright tuberous begonias grow about 10 to 12 inches tall. The multiflora types are shorter with smaller but many more flowers. For hanging baskets consider the pendant types.

Ensure success by growing these in a cool partially shaded location with moist well-drained organic soil. They perform well in containers, garden beds and borders and reward you with flowers from mid-summer to frost.

Avoid direct sunlight that can burn the flowers and leaves, soggy soil that leads to root rot and frost that can kill the plant. And don’t be afraid to give them a pinch. This helps keep the plant compact, full and flowering.

A bit more information: Start tuberous begonias, cannas, calla lilies and other tender bulbs indoors for earlier bloom in the garden. Plant tuberous begonias in a well-drained potting mix with the rounded side down and hollow side up. Cover with 1-2 inches of potting mix and water.