Scientific Name
Begonia × corallina
Common Names
Angel Wing Begonia
Scientific Classification
Family: Begoniaceae
Genus: Begonia
Flower
Color: Red, white, orange, or pink
Bloom Time: Summer
Description
Begonia × corallina is a beautiful easy-care flowering plant with large "angel wing" shaped dark green leaves, often with metallic silver specks. The underside of the leaves is usually a deep red. The plant produces hanging clusters of delicate flowers in red, white, orange, or pink. The intensity of the flower and the color of the leaves depend upon how much light the plant is getting.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Begonias are rather versatile in their requirements: Old-fashioned Wax Begonias are great in the shade, but several newer Wax Begonia varieties are perfectly happy in full shade to full sun. No matter where you plant begonias, it's a good idea to give plants a regular dose of fertilizer to help fuel the constant barrage of blooms they're bound to throw at you.
When it comes to watering begonias, finding a good balance is key for healthy plants. Most Begonia varieties need to be consistently watered but shouldn't get too wet (too much water can kill them). So, don't be afraid to let the plants dry out a little between each watering. Begonia boliviensis varieties particularly like sharp drainage, as they're native to growing on cliff walls.
Most Begonias grow upright. For containers or hanging baskets, look for Begonia boliviensis and Angel Wing types, which have a more cascading habit.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Begonia.
Origin
This plant is a hybrid Begonia which resulted from a cross between Begonia aconitifolia and Begonia coccinea. The hybridization was made by California plant breeder Eva Kenworthy Gray in 1926.
Links
- Back to genus Begonia
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
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