7 Reasons Gardeners Are Rediscovering Begonias for Easy, Long-Lasting Color

Begonia flowers may not be as celebrated as roses or peonies, but the classic annuals can be every bit as captivating. Thanks to modern breeding, this once old-fashioned flower now comes in a wide array of vibrant, garden-ready varieties. It's a wildly diverse group that includes tuberous, rex, and angel wing types, among others. Plus, it's surprisingly easy to grow, thriving in a range of light conditions. Need more convincing? Here are 7 reasons begonias belong in your garden this season.

1. A Rainbow of Flower Colors

Classic begonia colors like white, yellow, and pink are now joined by a full spectrum of hues—including red, orange, and peach—as a result of breeding. What's more, many begonia varieties produce multicolored blooms that rival roses in their complexity and intensity.

2. Single and Double Form Flowers

It's not just the color range, but the flower forms that makes begonias a standout, with edges that may be ruffled, serrated, or wavy. Some begonias have single flower forms, which feature one layer of petals—typically four, but as few as two, making them beautifully minimalist.

Double-flowered begonias, on the other hand, have lots of petals and are often compared to camellias or roses. These larger flowers require more energy from the plants but are especially eye-catching throughout their blooming period. Interestingly, begonia varieties with double flowers do not all have the same number of petals; some flowers will appear much fuller and thicker than others. The males (yes, begonia flowers are either male or female) are showier and vary more in form.

3. No Deadheading Required

Many plants require regular removal of old flowers (deadheading) to keep reblooming throughout the season. With begonias, however, this is rarely necessary. If their flowers aren't pollinated, they drop off relatively quickly and are replaced by new ones. Newer varieties of wax begonias (Begonia semperflorens) and dragon wings, as well as their derivatives, will typically bloom throughout the summer until frost.

4. Sweet Scents

Another begonia benefit? Some species produce a light fragrance noticeable on the breeze. Look for cultivars such as 'Angelique', a double-flowered B. odorata hybrid with white to pink blooms. And, while most begonias are shade-loving plants, Begonia odorata is also known for its sun tolerance, meaning many varieties derived from the species can handle growing in full sun.

5. Hummingbird Magnets

Begonias' diversity extends to the types of pollinators attracted to their flowers—bees, moths, and butterflies. Hummingbirds are particularly drawn to orange and red flowers; the species Begonia boliviensis, which is native the Andes of South America, is an especially big hit with hummingbirds. 

6. Edible Flowers

While you might never have thought about biting into your begonias, the flowers are indeed edible. And, as edible flower connoisseurs out there know, some of the tastiest begonias available are also loaded with petals. Common types, such as tuberous and wax begonias, are said to have a cucumber-like crunch and a slightly citrusy, tangy taste. But of course, as with any edible flower, confirm the variety is safe to eat before you munch and make sure the plants haven’t been treated with pesticides.

7. Eye-Catching Foliage

Unlike some other popular flowering plants, begonias often sweeten the deal with attractive foliage. Rex begonias are famous for their foliage, with certain types featuring a metallic sheen or mesmerizing swirl patterns. But other begonia varieties have foliage that can hold its own in the garden when the plants aren't flowering, too, like the Polka Dot begonia (Begonia maculata) and the orange-leafed 'Autumn Crinkle' begonia, a rhizomatous hybrid.

Begonia Flowers to Grow

There are many varieties of begonias, so look at the different types and decide which would be best for you. Double-blossomed tuberous begonias are great for shady spots or in pots. Rex begonias are prized for their showy leaves and can be grown in the sun. However, they're toxic to pets and should be planted where they won't be nibbled on. Pair begonia flowers with herbs for a container garden.