Santa Cruz Sunset Begonia is a hybrid annual that brings vivid scarlet blooms to gardens and containers where other plants would struggle. This Begonia x boliviensis hybrid grows into a robust, leafy mound reaching 18-24 inches tall, flowering prolifically over 110-119 days. Hardy across zones 3-11 and remarkably tolerant of drier, warmer conditions than typical begonias, it thrives in partial shade and delivers the dramatic color its name promises.
Photo © True Leaf Market
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
3-11
Sunlight
Partial Shade
Preferred Temp65-75°F
Growth Stats
24 in
Height
—
Width
18 in
Spacing
110–119
Days to Harvest
PeriodAnnual
TypeTrailing
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Partial Shade
Water
—
Zones
3-11
Size
24in H x ?in W
Growth
Annual
Care
High
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Highlights
These begonias burst with scarlet spikes that command attention in flower beds and indoor planters alike. What truly sets Santa Cruz Sunset apart is its unusual resilience: it tolerates drier soil, warmth, and diverse growing conditions that would exhaust other begonia varieties. Grow it from seed without fuss, and you'll have flowering plants that perform even when conditions aren't ideal.
Common Uses
Santa Cruz Sunset Begonia is grown for its ornamental scarlet flowers, which brighten flower beds, borders, and indoor planters throughout the growing season. Its compact mounding form makes it equally at home in containers on patios or as a dramatic accent in garden displays.
Growing Timeline
First Bloom
Early Summer
First Harvest
N/a
Last Harvest
N/a
Care Instructions
Start Indoors
Start seeds indoors 12-14 weeks before your last frost date. Begonia seeds are tiny; sow them on moist seed-starting mix without covering, as they need light to germinate. Keep soil consistently moist and warm (70-75°F), and seedlings should emerge in 10-14 days. Provide bright, indirect light once sprouted.
Transplant Outdoors
Harden off seedlings over 7-10 days by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. Transplant outdoors after your last frost date when nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F. Space plants 18 inches apart in partial shade with well-draining soil.
Pruning
Santa Cruz Sunset's natural mounding growth habit requires minimal pruning. Pinch back the growing tips when seedlings are 2-3 inches tall to encourage branching and a fuller, bushier plant. Deadhead spent flower spikes throughout the season to promote continuous blooming.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Pests & Diseases
Scientific Classification
Begonia L.
Family
Begoniaceae
Genus
Begonia
Duration
Annual
Growth Habit
Spreading
History & Origin
“Begonia x boliviensis is a hybrid species, deliberately crossed to combine the best traits of its parent species. Santa Cruz Sunset represents the modern hybrid breeding tradition, where horticulturists selected for vigor, climate tolerance, and those striking scarlet flowers. This cultivar emerged as a reliable option for gardeners who wanted begonia beauty without the fussiness.”