Why are my begonia leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing lower leaves on begonias most often indicate overwatering or root rot. Check the soil — if it's wet and the pot or bed has poor drainage, let it dry out and improve drainage before the next watering. If the soil seems appropriately moist, check for mealybugs, which cause yellowing as they feed. Nutrient deficiency (particularly iron) can cause interveinal yellowing in overly alkaline soils, but this is less common than water-related causes.

Why are my begonias not blooming?

The most common reasons: too much shade for wax begonias (they need some direct light), excessive nitrogen fertilizer (promotes leaves over flowers), or planting too early into cold soil that stunted root development. Tuberous begonias that haven't been fed with adequate potassium once budding begins may produce fewer blooms. Per University of Minnesota Extension, "plants that are heat-stressed often drop buds" — prolonged temperatures above 90°F can shut down blooming in tuberous types until it cools.

Can I overwinter wax begonias?

Yes, though it's labor-intensive. Most growers find it easier to buy new transplants each spring. If you want to try, take 4-inch stem cuttings in early September, root them in water or moist perlite indoors, and grow them as houseplants under bright grow lights through winter. Plants can be moved back outdoors after frost danger passes the following spring.

When do I dig tuberous begonia tubers?

After the first light frost kills the foliage, or when night temperatures consistently drop below 50°F. Don't wait for a hard freeze — frozen tubers do not store. Dig carefully with a trowel, keeping as much root intact as possible, and allow tubers to cure (dry) for 3–5 days in a warm, airy spot before packing for storage.

Are begonias deer-resistant?

Begonias have some deer resistance due to their bitter sap, but "deer-resistant" is never an absolute claim in high-pressure areas. In areas with moderate deer pressure, most growers find begonias are left largely alone. Where deer pressure is severe, a repellent rotation is still advisable.

Home/Plants/Begonia Care: How to Keep Yours Blooming Outdoors

Species guide

Begonia Care: How to Keep Yours Blooming Outdoors

Everything you need to keep outdoor Begonia × tuberhybrida and wax begonias blooming from transplant to frost — sun tolerance, watering, tuber storage, and disease prevention.

By Thomas Joseph Published 2026-06-11 Updated 2026-06-13 Reviewed by Thomas Joseph 9 min read

Bright pink and orange tuberous begonia blooms in a shaded garden bed — Photo: Unsplash

Which begonia are you growing?

The name "begonia" covers several hundred species and hybrids, but three types dominate North American home gardens. Identifying which you have changes the care advice significantly.

Tuberous begonias (Begonia × tuberhybrida)

These are the showiest — large double or single blooms in white, yellow, orange, pink, red, and bicolors, on plants 12–18 inches tall. They grow from fleshy tubers and go fully dormant in winter. Per University of Minnesota Extension, tuberous begonias "prefer cool summer temperatures" and perform poorly when heat stays above 90°F for extended periods. They are best suited to gardens in the Pacific Northwest, northern tier states, and coastal areas with moderate summers.

Wax begonias (Begonia semperflorens)

Compact mounding plants, 6–12 inches, with glossy leaves and small single flowers. The most commonly sold bedding begonia at every big-box garden center. More heat-tolerant than tuberous types and far more forgiving of irregular watering. Per Clemson Extension HGIC, wax begonias "thrive in hot, humid summer weather" as long as drainage is adequate, which sets them apart from tuberous types.

Rex begonias (Begonia rex hybrids)

Grown primarily for dramatic foliage — swirling silver, burgundy, and green patterns — rather than flowers. These are the most shade-tolerant of the three and the least heat-tolerant. Most gardeners treat them as container plants moved outdoors in summer; they don't perform well in ground beds in hot climates.

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