Surefire® Cherry Cordial Begonia

Surefire® Cherry Cordial Begonia is brand new for the 2023 growing season. The dark chocolate-colored leaves make a fantastic backdrop for the small, intensely red flowers. Wax-type Begonias are famous for their easy care, with no maintenance required after planting. Flowers form nonstop until fall with no need to deadhead or cut back, even during the hottest days of summer. 

Wax Begonias are evergreen perennials in USDA zones 10-11, where they flower year-round. Most gardeners grow Begonia semperflorens hybrids as annual plants for mixed plant containers or seasonal beds needing a cheerful and colorful ground cover. Surefire® Begonia can be used as a filler or thriller element mixed with other annuals and perennials. The dark chocolatey leaves add a stunning backdrop for either bright or pastel flowers. Wax Begonias will grow well in either sun or shade and are not bothered by diseases or pests. 

Surefire® Cherry Cordial Begonia Care

Wax Begonias are not picky about soil fertility or texture, but they absolutely require well-draining soil that is on the dry side. Wet or cold soil will quickly cause root rot for these fleshy stemmed plants. In containers, use an all-purpose potting mix and add perlite to lighten the soil and improve drainage. Wax Begonias will grow well in full sun or a sheltered, shady spot such as a porch. Watering can be reduced in shadier growing locations. Deadheading is not required for these self-cleaning plants, but if Surefire® gets leggy or out of scale for the container arrangement, you can prune to shape and pinch back tips to promote a denser stem structure. Regular applications of a balanced liquid fertilizer will replace nutrients lost by watering in containers and hanging baskets.

Cherry Cordial can be brought inside to overwinter in the colder growing zones. Unlike Tuberous Begonias, Wax Begonias do not have a period of dormancy and will continue to flower through the winter. Bring the plants indoors when nighttime temperatures fall to 55 degrees F and grow them in a south- or west-facing window or under specialized grow lights. 

Surefire® Cherry Cordial Begonia Spacing

Cherry Cordial Begonia is a compact but vigorous grower that will thrive in tightly planted containers and open garden beds. The mature size can reach 2 feet tall and wide. In an open garden bed, plant Begonias 20 inches apart on the center of each plant. Containers should be at least 10 inches in diameter.

Surefire® Cherry Cordial Begonia Information