Are begonias perennial flowers?

[Rose]

I recently bought a few pots of begonias for my porch, and they are doing great so far. However, I’m worried about what will happen once the temperature starts to drop. Basically, are begonias perennial flowers that will come back if I leave them in the ground, or are they considered strictly seasonal? I live in a region with a fairly cold winter, so I’m wondering if I should try to overwinter them indoors.

 

[Elara]

Begonias can be perennial or annual, depending on the type and climate. In warm climates, they grow as perennials, but in colder areas, they are usually treated as annuals since they don’t survive frost.

 

[Shane Warne]

I've had similar experiences with begonias in the past and I can tell you that they can be a bit tricky when it comes to cold weather. While some species of begonias are perennials, most of the ones you find in pots are actually tender perennials or annuals, meaning they won't survive the winter outdoors in colder climates. If you want to keep them alive, you'll need to bring them indoors before the first frost. You can try digging up the tubers and storing them in a cool, dry place, or you can just bring the entire pot inside and keep it in a sunny window. Either way, with a little care, you should be able to keep your begonias thriving year-round. Just be sure to prune them back and reduce watering during the winter months to help them conserve energy.

 

[David Miller]

I've had great success with begonias in my garden and I can confirm they are indeed perennials, but with a catch - they need protection from frost in the winter. In warmer climates, they can come back year after year, but here in a cooler region, I have to dig up the tubers and store them indoors over winter to ensure they make it through the cold months.