Tip #9: Begonias
If you have shaded porches or garden beds that receive only filtered morning light, begonias are the perfect solution for continuous summer color. While most long blooming flowers demand blistering sun, wax begonias and tuberous begonias provide brilliant, jewel-toned flowers and striking, fleshy foliage in the shade.
Modern wax begonias are remarkably self-cleaning. The fading flowers drop off naturally, saving you the tedious chore of manual deadheading. You can plant them in mass groupings to create a solid carpet of color that requires virtually zero maintenance beyond standard watering.
The key to begonia success lies in proper moisture management. Their thick, succulent stems naturally hold a significant amount of water. You must plant them in light, well-aerated soil and avoid overwatering. Water at the base of the plant early in the morning so the leaves stay dry, which helps prevent stem rot and powdery mildew.
