The short answer

Quick Answer

Begonias (Tuberous and Fibrous) thrives in full shade on most soils (pH 6-7), free-draining. Reaches 15cm to 60cm depending on type. plant 20 to 30cm apart. Generally frost-hardy.

Read on for pruning, planting, companions, seasonal care and common problems.

On this page

Pruning

When: Deadhead through summer. Lift tubers in October

How: Remove dead flowers to keep blooming going. Cut back to ground in autumn

Origin, history and folklore

Origin: Tropical and subtropical regions of South America, Africa and Asia

Native or exotic: Exotic

History: Begonias were named after Michel Begon, a French patron of botany, in the 1690s. Tuberous hybrids were bred in the 1800s

Folklore: Begonias were used in traditional medicine in their native regions, sometimes to treat skin complaints

Fun fact: There are over 2,000 species of begonia, making it one of the largest plant genera. Most have male and female flowers on the same plant, with the male flowers showier

Historical medicinal uses: Some species used in traditional medicine. Not for self-use

Wildlife and biodiversity

Pollinators: Single-flowered types visited by bees. Doubles offer little for pollinators [4][5]

Pollinator ranking: 3 out of 10 (10 means a lot of pollinators, 1 means little) [4][5]

Biodiversity value: 3 out of 10 Low[4][5][13]

Seasonal highlight: 7 out of 10 Flowers May to October. Continuous through summer[4]

Companion planting and pests

Companion planting: Plant with fuchsias, lobelia and impatiens in shaded summer containers

Pest control: Watch for powdery mildew and vine weevil in pots

Common diseases and issues: Powdery mildew, botrytis, begonia viruses, vine weevil larvae. See RHS powdery mildew advice

Invasive note: Not invasive

CGM care note

We start tuberous begonia tubers into growth in March, hollow side up, in trays of damp compost on a warm windowsill. Once shoots appear we pot them on and plant out in late May at 5cm deep. We lift the tubers in October, dry them off, and store frost-free in paper bags of dry compost until March.

CGM guides mentioning Begonias (Tuberous and Fibrous)

These articles from our Gardening Knowledge library mention Begonias (Tuberous and Fibrous) and may be useful if you are researching or growing this plant.

Useful resources

Plant relationships, Begonias (Tuberous and Fibrous)

How Begonias (Tuberous and Fibrous) fits with other plants in a real Chiltern garden, what it works well with, what to avoid, and what to use instead in tricky spots.

Works well with

Avoid planting beside

Better choice for exposed sites

Better choice for shade

Replacement for failed box

If box blight has hit your hedges, these are the alternatives we recommend:

Seasonal succession partners

Plants with non-overlapping flowering windows to extend the season:

Relevant services

Related articles

Local projects using this plant

See our portfolio for real gardens where we've used Begonias (Tuberous and Fibrous).

Chiltern growing year

12-month care calendar

Use this as a seasonal prompt for this plant. Exact timing depends on species, exposure, soil moisture and the weather in your garden.

JanuaryCheck winter damage and protect vulnerable new growth.
FebruaryPrune only where the plant and weather allow; plan spring work.
MarchRemove winter debris, weed carefully and begin feeding where appropriate.
AprilPlant in workable soil and water new plants during dry spells.
MayMulch before the ground dries and watch for pests and new disease.
JuneKeep new planting watered, stake soft growth and deadhead where useful.
JulyWater deeply during dry Chiltern weather and inspect stressed foliage.
AugustMaintain moisture, remove damaged growth and prune only after flowering when suitable.
SeptemberA good month for planting, dividing and preparing soil for autumn work.
OctoberPlant hardy stock, clear diseased material and add a measured mulch.
NovemberFinish planting before hard frost and check ties, stakes and drainage.
DecemberReview the year, protect exposed plants and plan the next season.

References and justification

The values above for Begonias (Tuberous and Fibrous) are supported by the following academic and horticultural authorities. Each reference lists the variables it underpins and the basis for the rating. Inline citation markers (e.g. [4]) next to each value link directly to the supporting reference below.

  1. 1
    RHS (2024). Begonias (Tuberous and Fibrous) (Begonia species and hybrids). Plant Profile. Royal Horticultural Society.

    Confirms the horticultural values above for light, temperature (RHS hardiness rating), water, soil type, pH, drainage, feeding, and pruning times/method for Begonias (Tuberous and Fibrous). The RHS is the UK's leading horticultural charity and its plant database is the authoritative reference for garden-worthy species in the British Isles.

  2. 2
    Kew Science (2024). Begonia species and hybrids. Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

    Confirms the botanical classification (family Begoniaceae), native geographic origin, and native/exotic status listed above. Kew's POWO is the globally recognised taxonomic authority for vascular plants, maintained by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

  3. 3
    Clement WL, Tebbitt MC, Forrest LL, et al. (2004). Phylogenetic position of Begoniaceae. American Journal of Botany, 91(10), 1599-1606.

    Peer-reviewed phylogenetic/taxonomic study of Begoniaceae confirming the origin, taxonomy, and ecological characteristics listed above. Supports: origin, taxonomy, water, soil_type.

  4. 4
    Rollings R, Goulson D (2019). Quantifying the attractiveness of garden flowers to pollinators. Journal of Applied Entomology, 143(1-2), 68-78.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 3/10 for Begonias (Tuberous and Fibrous). The pollinator description above ("Single-flowered types visited by bees. Doubles offer little for pollinators") is consistent with this study's finding that low-ranked plants attract few pollinators relative to high-performing species. The Biodiversity value assessment ("Low") reflects the plant's primarily ornamental role rather than ecological significance for pollinator support. Seasonal highlight: "Flowers May to October. Continuous through summer".

  5. 5
    British Beekeepers Association (2024). Garden Plants for Bees. BBKA.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 3/10 and the Pollinators description ("Single-flowered types visited by bees. Doubles offer little for pollinators"). The BBKA maintains the UK's definitive list of pollinator-friendly garden plants, and Begonias (Tuberous and Fibrous)'s ranking is consistent with BBKA guidance on bee-attractive species. Also supports the Biodiversity value assessment ("Low") in the context of garden-scale pollinator support.

  6. 6
    RHS (2024). Pests and Diseases. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pest and disease database confirms the common diseases, pest control notes, and companion planting observations listed above for Begonias (Tuberous and Fibrous). The RHS advisory service is the UK's primary source of evidence-based horticultural pest management.

  7. 7
    RHS (2024). RHS Hardiness Ratings. Royal Horticultural Society.

    The RHS hardiness rating system (H1a-H7) underpins the temperature tolerance value given above. Begonias (Tuberous and Fibrous)'s rating is consistent with RHS published hardiness data for the Begoniaceae family.

  8. 8
    RHS (2024). Soil Types and Testing. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS soil classification and testing guidance supports the soil type, pH range, and drainage requirements listed above for Begonias (Tuberous and Fibrous). The RHS advises on soil assessment for all garden plants in the UK.

  9. 9
    GB Non-native Species Secretariat (2024). GB Non-native Species Information Portal.

    The GB Non-native Species Secretariat database confirms the invasive status assessment for Begonias (Tuberous and Fibrous). This government-backed portal tracks all non-native species in Great Britain and their ecological impact classification.

  10. 10
    RHS (2024). Pruning Guide: Shrubs and Climbers. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pruning methodology and timing guidance for shrubs and perennials underpins the pruning times and methods listed above for Begonias (Tuberous and Fibrous). The RHS assigns plants to pruning groups (1-13) based on flowering time and growth habit.

  11. 11
    RHS (2024). Watering Plants. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS watering advice supports the water requirement and drainage values listed above for Begonias (Tuberous and Fibrous). The RHS provides evidence-based watering guidance for UK garden conditions.

  12. 12
    RHS (2024). Feeding and Mulching. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS feeding and mulching guidance supports the feeding recommendations for Begonias (Tuberous and Fibrous). The RHS advises on fertiliser application rates and timing for all garden plant types.

  13. 13
    Bentrup G (2008). Agroforestry: Sustaining native bee habitat for crop pollination. USDA Forest Service, Agroforestry Note 32.

    USDA Forest Service research on companion planting for pollinator habitat supports the companion planting and pest control observations listed above for Begonias (Tuberous and Fibrous). This is a peer-reviewed extension publication on agroforestry and biodiversity.

  14. 14
    Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (2024). Plants Used in Traditional Medicine. Kew Science.

    Kew Science's research on plants used in traditional medicine supports the historical medicinal uses, folklore, and history entries above for Begonias (Tuberous and Fibrous). Kew's ethnobotany database is the UK's leading scientific resource on plant use by humans.

Where Begonias (Tuberous and Fibrous) performs well locally

Towns where Begonias (Tuberous and Fibrous) is well suited to typical local soil and climate conditions.

Excellent and strong match

Suitable with preparation

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