Question: My begonias look like they have been boiled. The edges of their leaves are browned, and the flowers are as well. They looked so good all spring, but the summer hasn’t been kind to them. What more can I do to save them?

Answer: First, we hardly used wax begonias in landscaping, then we tried to use them everywhere, full sun included. While the bronze-leafed types are somewhat resistant to sunlight, they really should not be used in full, hot afternoon sun. Above all, don’t put water on them while they’re in direct sun. It’s also important that we plant begonias early in the season, certainly by early May, so they can get well established before the really hot days arrive. Summer plantings usually scorch and wither, while the plants that are given 6 to 8 weeks to acclimate usually do pretty well.