As a gardening and landscaping expert, I can tell you that not all begonias come back every year. While there are many varieties of begonias, some of them are considered annuals, meaning they complete their life cycle within one growing season and do not come back the following year. However, there are also several types of begonias that are perennial and can come back year after year if given the right conditions.
One of the main factors that determine whether a begonia is an annual or a perennial is its tolerance to cold temperatures. Most begonias are native to tropical regions and are not adapted to survive freezing winters outdoors. These frost-tender begonias, such as the popular bedding begonias, are often treated as annuals in colder climates because they will not survive the winter if left outdoors.
However, if you bring these frost-tender begonias indoors before the first frost hits, they can be overwintered and continue to grow. By providing them with a suitable environment indoors, such as a bright location with a consistent temperature and proper care, these begonias can thrive and potentially bloom throughout the year. In this way, they can be considered perennial plants, even though they are often treated as annuals due to their susceptibility to freezing temperatures.
It’s worth noting that not all begonias are frost-tender. There are some varieties, such as the hardy begonias (Begonia grandis), which are more cold tolerant and can survive freezing temperatures. These hardy begonias are true perennials and can come back year after year in the garden without the need for winter protection or indoor overwintering.
In my personal experience, I have had success overwintering frost-tender begonias indoors. I usually bring them inside before the first frost and place them near a sunny window or under grow lights. I make sure to provide them with the right amount of water, not letting the soil dry out completely but also not overwatering them. With proper care, these begonias continue to grow and even produce new blooms throughout the winter months.
To summarize, while not all begonias come back every year, many frost-tender begonias can be overwintered indoors and continue to grow, making them technically perennial plants. However, there are also hardy begonias that are true perennials and can survive freezing temperatures outdoors. The key is to know the specific variety of begonia you have and its cold tolerance to determine whether it will come back year after year or if it needs special care or protection during the winter months.
