Sun & Shade Requirements for Begonias

Shade

• Dense shade is not suggested for blooming begonias because they need some sun in order to put forth blooms. Planting wax and tuberous begonias under large shade trees is a common practice. They fill in all around a tree trunk and do not compete for nutrients and water. Begonias will indicate if they are in too much shade by becoming spindly as they try to grow to reach any sunlight available. Rex begonias, grown for their colorful leaves, require shady conditions so their foliage is not damaged.

Partial Shade

• The ideal light situation for begonias is partial shade. Place them in an area where they will not be in direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day. Protect them with shade from trees, buildings or other larger plants that take the sun. Early morning and late afternoon rays are not as intense as they are at noon and most begonias tolerate it. Green leaf wax begonias should always be in shade to partial shade as their leaves do not fare well in sun.

Sun

• Bronze leaf wax begonias do tolerate full sun. Other begonias tend to be sunburned without shade protection. Tuberous and Rex begonias are especially affected by full sunlight.

Indoor Light

• Rex and Angle wing begonias should be placed in a bright location that does not receive direct sunlight. Never put position them near or on a sunny windowsill. East windows are suitable for most begonias because they provide indirect sunlight and less intense rays during the afternoon.