Begonia vs Geranium

Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?

Begonia

Begonia × semperflorens

Begoniaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Geranium

Pelargonium × hortorum

Geraniaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantDrought TolerantMedium Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Begonia (Zones 2-11)

Geranium (Zones 9-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 9–11

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Begonia	Geranium
Scientific Name	Begonia × semperflorens	Pelargonium × hortorum
Family	Begoniaceae	Geraniaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Well-drained
Height	1'	1' 6"
Spread	1'	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Spring-Fall	Spring-Fall
Bloom Color	Red, Pink, White	Red, Pink, White, Salmon
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	South America	South Africa
Maintenance	Low	Medium

Special Traits

Begonia

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Geranium

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantYes — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Begonia

✓Pinch tips for bushy growth.
✓Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
✓Bring indoors before frost.
✓Tuberous types need winter dormancy.
✓Rex begonias grown for stunning foliage.

Geranium

✓Deadhead spent flower stems at base.
✓Let soil dry slightly between waterings.
✓Feed every 2 weeks.
✓Overwinter indoors in cold climates.
✓Excellent in containers.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Begonia if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium water in zones 2–11.

Choose Geranium if you don't mind medium maintenance, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 9–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 9–11. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View BegoniaProfile →View GeraniumProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Begonia and Geranium grow in the same hardiness zone?

Begonia grows in USDA zones 2-11, while Geranium grows in zones 9-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 9 through 11.

Do Begonia and Geranium have the same sun and water needs?

Begonia needs part shade and medium water, while Geranium needs full sun and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Begonia or Geranium?

Geranium grows taller at 1' 6" compared to Begonia at 1'. Geranium spreads 1' 6" while Begonia spreads 1'.

Are Begonia and Geranium deer resistant?

Yes, both Begonia and Geranium are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Begonia or Geranium?

Begonia has low maintenance while Geranium has medium maintenance. Begonia may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Begonia	Geranium
Scientific Name	Begonia × semperflorens	Pelargonium × hortorum
Family	Begoniaceae	Geraniaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Well-drained
Height	1'	1' 6"
Spread	1'	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Spring-Fall	Spring-Fall
Bloom Color	Red, Pink, White	Red, Pink, White, Salmon
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	South America	South Africa
Maintenance	Low	Medium

Care Tips

Begonia

✓Pinch tips for bushy growth.
✓Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
✓Bring indoors before frost.
✓Tuberous types need winter dormancy.
✓Rex begonias grown for stunning foliage.

Geranium

✓Deadhead spent flower stems at base.
✓Let soil dry slightly between waterings.
✓Feed every 2 weeks.
✓Overwinter indoors in cold climates.
✓Excellent in containers.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Begonia if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium water in zones 2–11.

Choose Geranium if you don't mind medium maintenance, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 9–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 9–11. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Begonia and Geranium grow in the same hardiness zone?

Begonia grows in USDA zones 2-11, while Geranium grows in zones 9-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 9 through 11.

Do Begonia and Geranium have the same sun and water needs?

Begonia needs part shade and medium water, while Geranium needs full sun and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Begonia or Geranium?

Geranium grows taller at 1' 6" compared to Begonia at 1'. Geranium spreads 1' 6" while Begonia spreads 1'.

Are Begonia and Geranium deer resistant?

Yes, both Begonia and Geranium are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Begonia or Geranium?

Begonia has low maintenance while Geranium has medium maintenance. Begonia may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.