Fragrant begonias

Fragrance changes where a begonia earns its place. Fragrant begonias, including forms associated with Begonia odorata, combine long summer flowering with scented blooms, making them especially rewarding in pots positioned near seating, doorways and frequently used paths. Rather than placing them at the back of a border, grow these scented begonias somewhere their flowers can be seen and their fragrance noticed at close range.

Their growing needs remain those of tender tuberous begonias. Start the tubers frost free in spring, then grow them outside once conditions have warmed. Bright, filtered light or partial shade suits fragrant begonias well, together with fertile, free-draining compost that stays evenly moist during active growth. A sheltered patio or covered terrace can provide particularly useful conditions because the flowers are protected from harsh weather while still receiving good light.

From summer onwards, fresh buds follow as older flowers pass, so regular deadheading helps maintain the display. Use one fragrant Begonia variety in a pot beside a bench or group several containers where scent can gather around an outdoor sitting area. Before cold weather arrives, bring containers under protection or lift and store the tubers somewhere dry and frost free.