The Home Growns
4. Begonias: My Go-To for Bold, No-Fuss Color
Let me tell you about the summer I fell head-over-heels for begonias—and no, it wasn’t love at first sight. At first glance, they looked a little too “garden-y” for my modern apartment balcony.
But I gave them a shot anyway, and wow, did they surprise me. These are the kind of plants that just keep giving—showy blossoms from June to frost, zero drama, and seriously bold color without any of the fuss.
Perfect for City Living (Even on the 10th Floor)
One of the biggest reasons begonias won me over is because they’re perfect for partial shade, which makes them ideal for city apartments with limited sun exposure.
I live in a high-rise in Chicago, and my balcony only gets afternoon sun for about three hours a day. For a while, I was stuck with plants that either burned out or barely bloomed.
Then I tried begonias. They didn’t just survive—they thrived. If you’re in a place like New York or Seattle where tall buildings block the sun, this is your plant.
Wax, Tuberous, Rex—Oh My!
When I first started shopping for begonias, I had no idea there were so many types. The labels said things like wax begonias, tuberous begonias, and even rex begonias—what even is this, a botanical spelling bee?
Turns out, each type has its own vibe:
- Wax begonias are tough, compact, and great for beginners.
- Tuberous begonias have those big, rose-like blooms that make a real statement.
- Rex begonias are more about foliage than flowers—super colorful leaves that look almost painted.
I ended up going with wax at first, since I’m not exactly Martha Stewart with a green thumb. But now I mix in tuberous ones for drama and rex for texture.
Low-Maintenance, High-Impact
Here’s what I really love: begonias don’t need constant replanting. You pop them in a basket, water once in a while (okay, twice), and they just go to town.
Unlike some other hanging plants that fizzle out by midsummer, these guys stick around all season long. And let me tell ya, when you’ve got a busy life and a tiny balcony, that is gold.
No deadheading needed either—which means less work for you and more time to sip margaritas while admiring your handiwork.
Pair It Up for That Designer Look
Now here’s a tip I learned after way too many Pinterest fails: pair begonias with ferns for texture and depth.
At first, I thought adding anything else would be overkill. Boy was I wrong! Ferns give that soft, feathery contrast to the bold begonia blooms, and together? Total magic.
It’s like putting on a killer pair of shoes with your favorite dress—completes the whole look. Bonus points if you’re into home decor or event planning, because this combo screams curated, not cluttered.
So if you’re looking for something that brings serious color without asking for much in return, begonias should be your new best friend.
Next up? We’re diving into lobelia, that tiny-flowered wonder that adds a soft, dreamy touch to any basket. Trust me, it’s perfect if you like subtle beauty with a side of charm. Ready to see what it’s all about? Click “next” below! 🌼
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