Hummingbirds and begonias are two of nature’s most beautiful creatures. But do they have anything in common? Is there a connection between the two that can explain why they often appear together? Do hummingbirds like begonias?
Let’s investigate.
What Is Begonias?
Begonia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Begoniaceae that includes over 1,800 different species. It is native to moist subtropical and tropical climates and grows best in warm, humid environments.
Its leaves are usually green but can also be reddish or maroon depending on the species. The bright flowers range from white to pink or yellow depending on the species as well.
Read more: When To Change My Hummingbird Feeder
Types Of Begonias
There are many different types of begonias, including cane-like, rex, tuberous, shrub-like, semi-tuberous, and rhizomatous varieties. Each type has its own unique characteristics and growth patterns so it’s important to do your research before choosing the right one for your garden. Bee balm, also known as Monarda, is a type of begonia that is especially popular with hummingbirds and other pollinators.
Cane-like begonias have tall stems with long oval leaves that grow in an upright fashion; rex begonias have bright colors in their foliage; tuberous begonias have fleshy tubers that produce large flowers; shrub-like varieties have dense foliage with small white or pink flowers; semi-tuberous types require less maintenance and can tolerate drought better than other types, and finally rhizomatous varieties have wide leaves that spread out along the ground like a carpet making them an excellent choice for ground cover.
Do Hummingbirds Like Begonias?
Yes, Begonias attracts hummingbirds because of their colorful flowers, which provide a reliable source of nectar. The blooms also provide shelter and protection from predators as the hummingbirds can hide among the foliage.
In addition, begonias provide a refuge for hummingbird eggs and chicks due to their dense hanging baskets. The presence of begonias in a garden will also attract other beneficial insects, such as butterflies and moths, which provide additional food sources for hummingbirds.
So yes, hummingbirds do like begonias—but they are far from the only creatures that appreciate them.
Learn more: Can Hummingbird Feeders Go In Dishwashers? (The Ultimate Guide)
How To Plant Begonias?
If you want to attract hummingbirds to your garden, make sure to plant begonias in a spot that gets plenty of sunlight. They also need well-drained soil and should be watered regularly. Here are some points to consider:
Choosing The Right Location
The first step in planting begonias is to find the right spot in your garden. Begonias need lots of light, so choose a spot that gets at least six hours of sun per day. Be sure to check the soil before planting; it should be moist but well-drained with plenty of organic material. If your soil isn’t ideal, you can always amend it with compost or peat moss. Begonias are shade-loving plants and prefer partial shade, especially if you live in a warm climate.
Preparing The Soil
Once you’ve chosen your location and prepared the soil, it’s time to plant your begonias! To get started, dig holes about twice as deep as the size of each bulb and then fill them 1/3-1/2 full with compost or peat moss mixed in with soil from the area where you’re planting. Then place each bulb into its hole and cover it with more soil mixture until it is completely covered. Pat down lightly around each bulb so that everything is secure.
Watering Your Begonias
After planting begonias, water them thoroughly and make sure that there is enough moisture around each bulb for them to grow properly. If you live in an area that gets a lot of rain during the summer months, then you won’t need to water them as often; however, if you live in an area with dryer conditions then make sure to keep up on regular watering throughout the season to keep them blooming beautifully. Flower gardeners should also consider using a layer of mulch around the begonias to help retain moisture and keep out weeds.
Hummingbird Feeder
In addition to planting begonias – hummingbird flowers, you can also install hummingbird feeders in your garden. This will provide an instant food source for any hummingbirds that come to visit and it will also help to attract more birds to your garden. Shrubs and bushes, and flowering trees that are food sources include flowering tobacco, elderberry, trumpet creeper, Butterfly bush, and other native plants.
Read more: What Are Bee Guards For Hummingbird Feeders?
Problems With Begonias And Tips To Solve Them
While begonias are generally hardy and easy to care for, there may be times when they become affected by pests or diseases. Here are a few things to look out for:
- Pests – Aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, and other insects can cause damage to your begonias. To get rid of them, you can use an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray to kill the bugs and prevent further infestation.
- Diseases – Begonias are susceptible to certain fungal diseases such as powdery mildew or leaf spot. If you see any signs of these problems, make sure to treat them with a fungicide as soon as possible in order to prevent further damage.
- Overwatering – Begonias don’t like to be overwatered and this can cause their leaves to yellow or wilt. To prevent this, make sure that you only water when the soil feels dry and allow it to drain thoroughly before watering again.
Learn more: What Is The Best Bee-Proof Hummingbird Feeder?
Uses For Begonia Leaves
The leaves of these fragrant flowers are not just pretty—they can also be used for a variety of purposes.
The most common use is in herbal medicine, where the leaves are dried and ground into a powder that can be taken internally to treat digestive disorders, fevers, and other ailments.
The powdered form of begonia leaves can also be added to topical treatments for pain relief or skin conditions such as eczema.
Other uses include making teas and tinctures, adding dried leaves to potpourri mixtures, using them as food wraps or packaging material, or even using them as mulch around your plants.
Read more: 6 Best Hummingbird Feeders To Keep Bees Away
Wrap Up
In conclusion, planting begonias is a great way to add colorful accents to your garden. With the right location, soil preparation, and regular care, you can enjoy these beautiful flowers for years to come.
Just remember to keep an eye out for pests and diseases and make sure to water correctly in order to ensure that your begonias remain healthy and vibrant. Additionally, don’t forget about all of the other uses for begonia leaves–the possibilities are endless! So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start planting some gorgeous begonias today.
