Begonia vs Hydrangea

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

Begonia

Begonia × semperflorens

Begoniaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Hydrangea

Hydrangea macrophylla

Hydrangeaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Begonia (Zones 2-11)

Hydrangea (Zones 5-9)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 5–9

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Begonia	Hydrangea
Scientific Name	Begonia × semperflorens	Hydrangea macrophylla
Family	Begoniaceae	Hydrangeaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade	⛅ Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium to High
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Moist
Height	1'	6'
Spread	1'	6'
Bloom Season	Spring-Fall	Summer
Bloom Color	Red, Pink, White	Blue, Pink, White
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	South America	Japan
Maintenance	Low	Medium

Special Traits

Begonia

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Hydrangea

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — 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.

Hydrangea

✓Prune after flowering on old wood varieties.
✓Add aluminum sulfate for blue flowers, lime for pink.
✓Protect from afternoon sun in hot climates.

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 Hydrangea if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium to high water in zones 5–9.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 5–9. They share similar sun requirements (part shade), making them potential garden companions.

View BegoniaProfile →View HydrangeaProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Begonia and Hydrangea grow in the same hardiness zone?

Begonia grows in USDA zones 2-11, while Hydrangea grows in zones 5-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 5 through 9.

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

Begonia needs part shade and medium water, while Hydrangea needs part shade and medium to high water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Begonia or Hydrangea?

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

Are Begonia and Hydrangea deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Begonia or Hydrangea?

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

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Begonia	Hydrangea
Scientific Name	Begonia × semperflorens	Hydrangea macrophylla
Family	Begoniaceae	Hydrangeaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade	⛅ Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium to High
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Moist
Height	1'	6'
Spread	1'	6'
Bloom Season	Spring-Fall	Summer
Bloom Color	Red, Pink, White	Blue, Pink, White
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	South America	Japan
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.

Hydrangea

✓Prune after flowering on old wood varieties.
✓Add aluminum sulfate for blue flowers, lime for pink.
✓Protect from afternoon sun in hot climates.

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 Hydrangea if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium to high water in zones 5–9.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 5–9. They share similar sun requirements (part shade), making them potential garden companions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Begonia and Hydrangea grow in the same hardiness zone?

Begonia grows in USDA zones 2-11, while Hydrangea grows in zones 5-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 5 through 9.

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

Begonia needs part shade and medium water, while Hydrangea needs part shade and medium to high water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Begonia or Hydrangea?

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

Are Begonia and Hydrangea deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Begonia or Hydrangea?

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