Surefire Red Begonia

Surefire® Red is a vigorous landscape begonia with bright green foliage and richly colored red flowers that continue from planting until frost. Its upright form and heat tolerance make it useful for bold borders, mass plantings, and large mixed containers in sunny or shaded gardens. ## Size and placement The [Proven Winners Surefire® Red II profile](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/begonia/surefire-red-ii-begonia-benariensis) describes red flowers, green foliage, an upright habit, and season-long color without deadheading; the profile lists a mature height of 12–24 inches and spread of 18–24 inches, with planting-to-frost flowering in USDA zones 10–11. The [Penn State Southeast Agricultural Research & Extension Center trial entry](https://agsci.psu.edu/flower-trials/trial-year/2022/plant-name/begonia-surefire-red) evaluates the named Begonia ‘Red’ Surefire® and documents its red flowers and performance in both sun and shade container trials. These sources support the current mature size and warm-climate range. ## Growing conditions This selection tolerates sun or shade, but keep soil evenly moist for best growth and flower display. Use fertile, well-drained soil and avoid leaving roots saturated. It tolerates brief dry intervals, though regular water improves appearance. The [University of California IPM guide](https://ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/begonia/) offers general begonia guidance for filtered shade, rich soil, and regular watering. ## Maintenance Deadheading is not needed for continued flowering. Remove damaged stems and leaves, and pinch only if shaping is needed. Treat it as an annual where winter temperatures fall below its hardiness range.