The Stunning Variety Of Begonia Flowers That Bloom In Sun Or Shade

Adding new flowers to the yard is one of the most fun parts of gardening, but not every flower works in every spot. Some plants need full sun, some can handle morning sun and afternoon shade, while still others only do well in shaded areas. Plants that can handle any light conditions, such as these 14 gorgeous ground covers that'll thrive in sun or shade, are always a favorite of gardeners because they are so versatile. There is a stunning variety of begonias that fit into this category: the 'Surefire' white begonia (Begonia benariensis). This beautiful annual features snow white flowers with bright yellow centers and bright green leaves. They usually reach heights of 12 to 24 inches tall. 

These lovely flowers bloom from spring through fall, providing plenty of color for your yard through three seasons of the year. 'Surefire' begonias are easy to care for, making them a great addition to your plant list, along with these other easy plants to grow for beginner gardeners. It's important to note that these and all varieties of begonias are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, so care should be taken when planting that your pets don't have easy access to them. If you have determined cats or dogs that don't want to leave your begonias alone, you can plant them in hanging baskets or containers, and place them out of reach. 

'Surefire' white begonias have a spread of around 1 to 2 feet, so if you are planting them in groups, make sure to space them 12 to 18 inches apart to avoid overcrowding. Although 'Surefire' begonias are most often grown as annuals, they can be lifted and moved into containers during the fall to spend the winter indoors – just make sure to put them on a bright window sill. Once established, this lovely flower is drought-tolerant and loves the heat.

Soil needs for 'Surefire' begonias call for well-draining soil rich with plenty of organic matter. You want to keep the soil moist but not sopping wet; target the roots, not the leaves, to avoid fungal diseases like powdery mildew. In between watering sessions, allow the top 2 inches of the soil to dry out to ensure you don't overwater your flowers. Overwatering can cause a multitude of problems, including root rot. If you're worried about too much moisture, try the toothpick method, an affordable, eco-friendly hack to never overwater your garden plants again. Begonias are one of the flower choices that do best with regular fertilizing. Once a month, add a liquid fertilizer, or you can use a slow release fertilizer when you plant the flowers. As for ongoing care, 'Surefire' begonias require no deadheading and need little to no pruning.