How to Grow Plants for Background Height Behind Angel Wing & Bonfire Begonias

Both "Bonfire" begonia and "Angel Wing" begonia are tropical begonias grown throughout the summer in mild climates, or grown as annuals in colder climates. Each has brightly colored hanging flowers, from bright orange to dark red, that give them a tropical look. "Angel Wing" is about 18 inches tall and "Bonfire" is 20 inches tall. Adding height behind these begonias in your garden is possible with a shrub. The added height will also make the begonia look more striking by drawing the eye.

Shovel
10-10-10 fertilizer
Mulch

Instructions

- 1
  Select the plant you want to grow behind the "Angel Wing" and "Bonfire" begonia plants. Palmetto is good if you live in a mild climate, and it will add to the tropical air in your garden. Shrubs like weigela, azalea or spirea are good choices for colder climates.
- 2
  Dig a planting hole behind the begonias as large as the shrub's root ball and twice as wide. Place the shrub into the hole and fill the hole with soil. Plant the shrub in the spring. Make sure the shrub is spaced 3 to 4 feet from the begonias.
- 3
  Water the shrub for 15 to 20 minutes once a week if there is little or no natural rainfall. Mulch around the shrub with a 1-inch layer of mulch.
- 4
  Add ½ lb. of 10-10-10 fertilizer to the shrub every spring. Water the shrub well after adding the fertilizer.

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