Gardens in Santa Cruz often have sun exposure only part of the time, usually because of buildings, hills or trees that block the light. And even in sunny gardens, on the north side of the house or in shade created deliberately, there is always the question of how to get flower color in shadier areas. Near the coast, add the summer-persistent fog and most of us are searching for flower color that is reliable in less than optimum light conditions.
In 11 years of gardening here, I'm still looking for the perfect plant that performs spectacularly and reliably in the dappled light that I have to work with. Begonias clearly stand out as coming closest to being foolproof in local conditions.
They are supremely easy-care plants, requiring only that they be potted in an airy rapidly draining mix and that they are allowed to dry out a bit between waterings. Bright shade is ideal. They are evergreen plants, so provide interest all year long. If you live in an area that regularly gets frost, or if an unusual cold spell threatens, they should be wintered indoors.
Their giant-flowering cousins, the tuberous begonias, have been bred and grown commercially in our area for years, because our climate, with its cool summers and mild winters meets their needs perfectly.
Sunset Nursery in La Selva Beach now has fabulous begonias available in retail outlets. Look for these plants, with huge blooms in every imaginable color except blue, at good nurseries all over town. Many of the flowers have frilled petals, and some are bicolors, with picotee edges.
Tuberous begonias need dappled light, rapidly draining soil with high humus content and consistent water. Feed them regularly throughout the growing season, and you will be rewarded with flowers that are the envy of the neighborhood. They do go dormant in fall, and the tubers are usually dried off and stored in a rain-free area during the winter, then brought out in spring and repotted in fresh soil.
If properly cared for, the tubers produce more flowers each year. Choose now while plants are in active bloom if you want to know exactly what style and color flower you will be getting. They are usually grown in containers and come in trailing or upright forms.
Other types of begonias are also readily found in local nurseries. Tall-growing cane-types have stems with prominent bamboo-like joints and fancy leaves. Included in this group is the angel-wing begonia. This group's multiple stems can grow to 5 feet or more, and bloom heavily all summer, with flower clusters in white, red, orange or pink. [A few are everblooming.]
Site in dappled light or bright shade and protect from heavy frost; many cane-type are surprisingly cold tolerant and sail through a normal coastal winter without problems.
Look in your favorite nursery for other kinds of begonias to grace your garden's shadier areas.
-Sharon Hull
