Adding Begonias to Your Garden for Hummingbirds: A Guide

Table of Contents

Attracting hummingbirds is a fun and rewarding way to add more life to your garden. One way to do this is by planting the right flowers, such as begonias. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about adding begonias for hummingbirds to your outdoor space.

Hummingbird-Friendly Plants

Hummingbirds are attracted to brightly colored flowers, especially those that are red, orange, or pink. They are also drawn to tubular-shaped blooms that allow them to feed on nectar with their long beaks. While there are many different flowers that can attract hummingbirds, begonias are a particularly good choice for several reasons.

Why choose begonias?

Begonias come in a wide variety of colors and forms, making it easy to find the perfect match for your garden. Many varieties of begonia produce blooms that are just the right shape and size for hummingbirds to feed on. Another advantage of begonias is that they are relatively low-maintenance plants that can thrive in a range of growing conditions.

Other good choices for hummingbirds

In addition to begonias, there are many other flowers that can help attract hummingbirds to your garden. Some good options include:

• Salvia (also known as sage)
• Fuchsia
• Cardinal flower
• Bee balm
• Trumpet vine
• Honeysuckle
• Red hot poker plant
• Lupine

Flower colors for attracting hummingbirds

As mentioned earlier, hummingbirds are most attracted to red, orange, and pink flowers. They are also drawn to purple and blue blooms, though to a lesser extent. If you're trying to attract hummingbirds to your garden, try to plant a variety of flowers in these colors.

Begonia Varieties

There are several different types of begonias to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are just a few:

Tuberous begonias

Tuberous begonias produce large, colorful blooms that can be up to 8 inches across. They come in a range of colors, including red, pink, yellow, and white. Tuberous begonias are ideal for hanging baskets or containers.

Wax begonias

Wax begonias have glossy green leaves and small, delicate blooms in shades of pink, red, or white. They are well-suited for use as edging plants or in mass plantings.

Rex begonias

Rex begonias are known for their striking foliage, which comes in a range of colors and patterns. They do produce flowers, but they are relatively insignificant compared to the leaves. Rex begonias are well-suited for use as indoor plants.

Angel Wing begonias

Angel Wing begonias have long, pointed leaves that resemble the wings of an angel. They produce clusters of delicate pink or red flowers. Angel Wing begonias are often used in gardens as upright bedding plants.

Begonia hybrids

Finally, there are many different hybrid varieties of begonia, which combine the characteristics of different species. Hybrid begonias come in a wide range of colors and forms, making it easy to find the perfect match for your garden.

Growing Begonias

Once you've chosen your begonia varieties, it's time to get them planted and growing! Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Light and temperature requirements

Begonias prefer bright, indirect light. They can also tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates. As for temperature, most begonia varieties prefer to be kept in the 60-75°F range.

Soil type and drainage

Begonias prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Avoid soils that are heavy or clay-based, as they can retain too much moisture and lead to root rot.

Watering needs

Begonias need to be watered regularly, especially during the growing season. However, it's important not to overwater them, as excessive moisture can lead to fungal problems. Water your begonias when the soil feels dry to the touch, but before it has completely dried out.

Fertilization recommendations

Begonias benefit from regular fertilization during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks to keep your plants healthy and strong.

Maintenance Tips

In order to keep your begonias looking their best, it's important to perform regular maintenance tasks. Here are a few tips to help you stay on top of things:

Deadheading spent flowers

As your begonias produce blooms, it's important to remove any spent flowers. This helps to promote continued blooming and prevents the plant from putting energy into producing seeds.

Pruning to promote bushier growth

To encourage your begonia plants to grow bushier, pinch back the tips of new growth periodically. This will stimulate the plant to produce more side shoots and create a fuller, more attractive appearance.

Pest and disease prevention and treatment

Like all plants, begonias are susceptible to various pests and diseases. Keep an eye out for common issues like spider mites, aphids, and powdery mildew. If you do notice a problem, treat it promptly using an appropriate pesticide or fungicide.

Overwintering begonias

Depending on where you live, your begonias may not be able to survive outdoors during the winter months. If this is the case, you can either bring them indoors for the winter or dig up the tubers and store them in a cool, dry location until spring.

By adding begonias to your garden, you can enjoy the beauty of these gorgeous plants while also attracting hummingbirds. With the tips outlined in this guide, you'll be well on your way to creating an outdoor oasis that's perfect for both you and your feathered friends.

FAQ

Do all begonia varieties attract hummingbirds? While begonias are generally considered to be attractive to hummingbirds, some varieties may be more appealing than others.

What other flowers should I plant with begonias to attract hummingbirds? As mentioned earlier, there are many different flowers that can help attract hummingbirds to your garden. Salvia, fuchsia, cardinal flower, and trumpet vine are all good options.

How often should I water my begonias? Begonias need to be watered regularly, but not too frequently. Water them when the soil feels dry to the touch, but before it has completely dried out.

What are some common pests and diseases that can affect begonias? Common pests include spider mites and aphids, while powdery mildew is a common fungal disease.

Can I grow begonias indoors, or do they need to be planted outside? Many begonia varieties can be grown as indoor plants, provided they receive the right levels of light and humidity.

How do I overwinter tuberous begonias? To overwinter tuberous begonias, dig up the bulbs after the first frost and store them in a cool, dry location until spring.

Are begonias toxic to pets or small children? Begonias are generally not considered to be highly toxic, but they can cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities.

Do begonias come back every year, or do they need to be replanted each season? Some begonia varieties are perennials and will come back year after year, while others are annuals and will need to be replanted each season.

Can I propagate my begonias from cuttings? If so, how? Yes, begonias can be propagated from stem or leaf cuttings. Simply take a cutting and place it in a pot filled with moist potting soil. Keep the soil moist and wait for roots to grow.

What's the best time of year to plant begonias for hummingbirds? The best time to plant begonias depends on your climate and growing conditions. In general, they should be planted in the spring, after the danger of frost has passed.