The name suggests a certain winter hardiness and frost tolerance, but wrongly: Ice begonias freeze to death when the temperature drops to freezing point. Their leaves break as easily as thin ice, hence the misleading name.
Can ice begonias tolerate frost and how do I overwinter them?
Ice begonias are not hardy and cannot tolerate frost. To overwinter them, they should be moved to a frost-free winter quarter with temperatures between 16°C and 20°C before the first night frost so that they continue to bloom.
Is it worth overwintering ice begonias?
Overwintering ice begonias is not financially worthwhile. The plants can be bought very cheaply in nurseries and garden centers in spring. If it's just a matter of cost, you can save yourself the work. If, on the other hand, you want to protect the environment and the existing plants, then overwintering ice begonias is a worthwhile task.
The additional work is relatively small because ice begonias do not require any extensive care. This is also rewarded with a rich abundance of flowers. If the ice begonia doesn't get any frost, it sometimes blooms all winter long. However, it needs a lot of light and enough warmth.
What is the best way to overwinter ice begonias?
In order for the wintering to actually be successful, an ice begonia must not be exposed to frost under any circumstances. In autumn, pay close attention to the weather report and especially the announcement of possible night frost. It's better to bring your ice begonias into the house too early than too late.
A frost-free winter quarters is enough for the ice begonia to survive, but it will only continue to bloom if it is warm enough. Therefore, temperatures between 16 °C and 20 °C are recommended. For example, a (heated) greenhouse or a winter garden with lots of light is suitable.
When can I plant ice begonias again?
Overwintering an ice begonia takes quite a long time. Only after the Ice Saints in May, when night frosts are no longer expected, can it be planted again in the garden. Beforehand, you should slowly get the ice begonia used to the new location.
The ice begonia in brief:
- not hardy
- doesn't tolerate frost at all
- perennial
- Easy to overwinter, at approx. 16 °C to 20 °C
- continues to bloom even in winter
Tip
If you would like to overwinter your ice begonias, then be sure to move the plants to a frost-free winter quarters in good time before the first night frost.
