Most begonias that we grow outside will be between 8 inches and 2 feet tall. Begonias flower throughout the summer and up to the first frost. They can be used as bedding plants, in window boxes and in baskets and other containers. The major pests of begonias are mealy bugs, spider mites, scales, snails and slugs. Plants should be placed 12 inches apart for the best effect in the garden and somewhat closer in containers.
Begonias look best when used in mass.
Most begonias grow well in partial shade and in a moist, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. In general, begonias need bright light to flower well. Some will burn if the light is too intense. Bronze-leaved wax begonias grow better with full sun than other types. These are tender in South Carolina, but the beautiful and perennial hardy begonia will grow throughout the state.