Trailing begonias are a beautiful addition to any garden or hanging basket. These plants have a trailing growth habit, with their long stems cascading over the edges of containers or spilling over in garden beds. Many gardeners wonder if trailing begonias will come back each year, or if they need to be replanted annually.
The answer to this question depends on the climate in which you live. In warm climates where winter frosts are rare or nonexistent, you can leave trailing begonias in the garden and they will often come back as annuals each year. The changing seasons, particularly the cooler temperatures of autumn and winter, usually trigger dormancy in these plants.
During dormancy, trailing begonias will naturally slow down their growth and conserve energy. Their leaves may yellow and fall off, and their stems may become woody and dry. This is a normal part of the plant’s life cycle, and it is important not to mistake dormancy for the death of the plant.
If you live in a warm climate, you can simply leave your trailing begonias in the garden and allow them to go dormant on their own. As spring approaches and temperatures rise, you will likely see new growth emerge from the base of the plant. This is a sign that your begonias have survived the winter and are ready to start growing again.
However, if you live in a region with cold winters and frost, it is best to treat trailing begonias as annuals and replant them each year. Cold temperatures can damage or kill these plants, so it is important to protect them from freezing. One option is to bring your trailing begonias indoors before the first frost and keep them in a cool, bright location for the winter. Another option is to take cuttings from your begonias in the fall and root them indoors, so you can have new plants to replant in the spring.
In my personal experience, I live in a warm climate where winter frosts are rare. I have successfully left trailing begonias in my garden over the winter, and they have come back as annuals each year. I enjoy watching the plants go through their dormancy phase and then come back to life in the spring. It is a testament to the resilience of these beautiful plants.
If you live in a warm climate without winter frosts, you can leave trailing begonias in the garden and they will often come back as annuals each year. However, if you live in a region with cold winters and frost, it is best to treat trailing begonias as annuals and replant them each year or take steps to protect them from freezing.
