It is a prolific bloomer, in the sun or shade and it artistically cascades or tumbles over the rim of hanging baskets and containers. It is the new Surefire Cascade Red begonia, which is making its debut in 2026.

I love it when July arrives, giving me the opportunity to share with you new flowers that we see both in industry and our own personal trials. Surefire Cascade Red begonia seems like a lifesaver to me as my shade line is creeping, making me more sun-challenged.

The cascade habit or potential is wonderful as you consider it reaches 18 inches tall with a 36-inch spread. While I talk about baskets and containers, it should be obvious that with this much potential spread, your option to use as a ground cover should always be in the back of your mind.

The blooms are a striking bright red, exuding passion and excitement. The succulent glossy leaves stand out in an exciting contrast of texture no matter what partner you may choose for mixed containers.

I have two large coconut fiber baskets hanging from crape myrtle trees. Each year the increasing shade has made it harder to have serious color and texture. The year that changed as I planted Surefire Cascade Red begonias with Lemon Coral sedum. The baskets are seen against a hillside of Tuff Stuff Ah-Ha hydrangeas and Shadowland hostas.

Chartreuse foliage seems to add pop to the Surefire mixed containers. On the hillside path ending at a swing, you’ll find two smokestack shaped containers. These containers have Surefire Cascade Red begonias and Goldilocks lysimachia or creeping Jenny.

Next, I took the begonias to the front porch area. I have two large, teal AquaPot Lite self-watering containers. On more than one occasion, I questioned my choice in color selection for the containers. In each container I have planted two Surefire Cascade Red begonias, one Graceful Grasses Prince Tut papyrus and one ColorBlaze Mini Me Chartreuse coleus and I have found happiness.

I asked neighbors Dave and Cynthia to try their design magic with the new Surefire Cascade Red begonia, and they immediately created the "holy wow" moments.

At the front porch they intermingled a Kimberly Queen Fen with the Surefire Cascade Red begonia, Whirlwind White scaevola and dropped in a Heart to Heart, Clowning Around caladium.

In the backyard, they have two white iron hanging baskets attached to short shepherd hooks. They created the ultimate in contrasts by combining the Surefire Cascade Red begonias with Stardiva Blue scaevola.

The maintenance is nice and easy. They do not need deadheading to bloom all summer. Keep them evenly moist and feed them regularly. I still like to use a water-soluble mix that I pour with a watering can with spout. In the South, mixed containers need watering almost daily, which is sure to leach nutrients. This means your feeding is important.

We've got a lot of great new plants this year and Surefire Cascade Red begonia making its debut in 2026 just shows it is a great time to be a gardener.

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(Norman Winter, horticulturist, garden speaker and author of “Tough-as-Nails Flowers for the South” and “Captivating Combinations: Color and Style in the Garden.” Follow him on Facebook @NormanWinterTheGardenGuy.)

(NOTE TO EDITORS: Norman Winter receives complimentary plants to review from the companies he covers.)

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