Love at first sight was the feeling many had last year when new plants were being evaluated. This group included botanical gardens, university trials, garden writers, and even growers who might put the plant in production. The plant I am referring to is Surefire Cascade Red begonia.

Like the name suggests it is a "surefire" winner. As it showed up at garden centers this year, it brought with it a bevy of awards, like Perfect Score at the Boehner Botanical Gardens in Wisconsin. You may be thinking it is easy to grow way up north. When it comes to Surefire Cascade Red begonia, you would be correct. Next, among noteworthy awards is the Flameproof Award "Shade" given by the Dallas Arboretum. Dallas in the summer is indeed like a trial by fire or in this case "surefire."

While those awards speak volumes about the new Surefire Cascade Red begonia, it received what may be the top honor courtesy of the North Carolina State JC Raulston Arboretum. The award says it all: Best of Breed.

Gardeners are also noticing it. Susan Middleton Turner of South Georgia says, “I need to measure the circumference—they are simply awesome.” My next-door neighbors, Dave and Cynthia, are also always inviting us over to see their Surefire Cascade Red begonia. It is massive, gorgeous, lush and tropical looking, especially when paired with Kimberly Queen Fern.

There is a little caveat to this story as Dave and Cynthia conclude their second year with the one on the front porch. During the long growing season, the planter will have a flag for Memorial Day and July 4. Once winter approaches they simply tuck theirs inside on nights of dangerously low temperatures. This has opened the door to partnerships like Surefire Cascade Red Begonias with cool season pansies, and inclusion with Christmas décor.

Susan Middleton Turner gave her Surefire Cascade Red Begonias Diamond Frost euphorbias as partners in one area and as a table centerpiece behind bannister coco baskets of Supertunia Mini Vista Pink Cloud petunias and a hanging basket with ColorBlaze Mini Me Chartreuse coleus.

In 2025 when The Garden Guy and Dave and Cynthia first started trialing the Surefire Cascade Red begonia, it seemed every partnership was a winner. There were hanging baskets with Stardiva Blue scaevola against a backdrop of Royal Hawaiian Maui Gold elephant ears. The idea of combining with chartreuse is a good one as the contrast in color is electrifying. I used them in containers with Fluffy, a golden leaved arborvitae.

The cascade habit or potential is wonderful as you consider both pots and partners. It reaches 18 inches tall with a 36-inch spread. While I’ve talked about baskets and containers, it should be obvious with that much potential spread that your option to use it as a groundcover should always be in the back of your mind.

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 a spout. In the South, mixed containers need watering almost daily, which is sure to leach nutrients. This means your feeding is important. I usually feed every two to three weeks.

Surefire Cascade Red begonia is a winner through and through and will give you the green thumb. Put it on your must-have list for 2027.

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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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