Begonias have been around for ages, and with good reason. This easy-to-grow annual does well in various conditions and needs little to thrive. Give it light shade, rich, well-drained soil, plenty of water, and plenty of fertilizer, and you'll be rewarded with stunning flowers and foliage. With so many different shapes, sizes, and colors, Begonias have no problem taking the spotlight in any garden setting.
Wax Begonia, the most popular variety of Begonia, comes in sizes to fit just about any space (from as small as 6 inches (15 cm) to nearly 3 feet (90 cm) tall). The larger varieties are ideal for landscaping and create a dramatic effect when planted en masse. Smaller Begonia varieties are well suited for container gardens, and they won't crowd out your other plants.
Flower shapes are just as diverse as Begonia plant sizes. Some plants show single flowers with one row of petals, while others have double blooms with many rows of petals. In the past, Begonia's color choices were generally limited to green or bronze foliage with white, pink, or red flowers. Today, Begonia colors are much more diverse.
In the Wax Family alone, you'll find multiple shades from white to red. And in the Begonia boliviensis family, there are even more options, including warm yellows, reds, oranges, whites, and pinks.
Growing Conditions and General Care
Begonias are rather versatile in their requirements. Old-fashioned Wax Begonias do well in the shade, but several newer Wax Begonia varieties are happy in full shade to full sun. Whether you plant Begonias or not, it's a good idea to give them a regular dose of fertilizer to fuel the constant barrage of blooms they're bound to throw at you.
Finding the right balance is key to healthy plants when it comes to watering. Most Begonias need consistent watering 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 waterings. Begonia boliviensis varieties particularly like sharp drainage, as they're native to growing on cliff walls.
Most Begonias grow upright. Look for Begonia boliviensis and Angel Wing types for containers or hanging baskets, which have a more cascading habit.
Begonias perform best in warm environments, so planting after there's no longer a chance of spring frost will help your Begonia thrive. Be patient after planting. Begonias take time to get going, and you usually won't see a burst of growth until after the summer heat kicks in.
This plant helps tend to itself by practicing "self-cleaning," meaning you don't need to remove or "deadhead" old blooms throughout the growing season.
Propagation
Begonia propagation is easier than you think. Begonia has several varieties, and they all use the same propagation process. To propagate from stem cuttings, trim Begonia stems to 4 inches (10 cm) and insert them directly into a growing medium so that Begonia can root properly. Then, water and provide proper light.
To propagate Begonia from seed, you'll start with seeds, seed-starting pots, and a seed-starting mix. Fill pots with seed-starting mix and lightly mist with a spray bottle. Gently place seeds in pots and loosely cover them with plastic wrap to maintain humidity and warmth. Let your seedlings grow in a warm spot out of direct sunlight.
Source: bhg.com
Links
- Back to genus Begonia
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin