The Begonia is a Popular Home and Garden Plant
Begonias, Easy to Grow with Both Stunning Foliage and Flowers
Nov 5, 2008
Begonias are easy to grow and are very popular both for outdoor use and as houseplants. Although they are mainly of tropical origin they grow splendidly in Europe and America. There are over 1500 recorded species of begonias.
Begonia Flowers
Begonia flowers can be as small as ½ “ across, as in the Rex Begonias, and if not for their prolific display they might appear insignificant. But the tuberous begonias have splendid double blooms in many colors – red, pink, white, orange and salmon. Begonia boliviensis has flowers similar to the Fuchsia plant.
Begonia Foliage
There are more than 20 different shaped leaves, such as heart-shaped, shield-shaped, angel-wing and star shaped. For added attraction and interest there are spiral shaped leaves and leaves to mimic pond lilies, oak, maple and even rose leaves. These leaves can be plain green or variegated and this is where the Rex Begonia is most notable and spectacular with colors like silver, pink, gray and red embedded into the leaves. Some leaves have white spots and some have a marbled effect so intense that it looks artificial.
Types of Begonias
Begonias are a very diverse genus of plants but they can be divided into three main groups plus two lesser known types.
- Tuberous: Tuberous or bedding begonias are very popular both indoor and outdoor in summer gardens. Their flowers are their crowning glory and can range from tiny multitudes to breathtaking showpieces. Tuberous begonias become dormant during the winter and re-start again in the spring. They can be trailing or bushy.
- Rex: Rex Begonias have tiny flowers but they have them in abundance thereby making Rex Begonias one of the favorites. They like humidity and the lack of it will result in dry, crisp leaves with scorched edges and the plant just will not flourish. They do very well in pots and this makes them an all area plant as they can be moved indoors when the temperature drops to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
- Semperflorens: Semperfloren begonias have waxy leaves and are grown mainly for bedding although they can be perennial in frost free areas. They bloom profusely and endlessly and the leaves are mostly seen in green or bronze – although S. begonia Charm has mottled green and yellow leaves and S. begonia Mosaic Charm has dark leaves with white rings. These plants are hardy in temperature 40 degrees Fahrenheit as found in U.S. zones 10 or 11.
- Trailing and Thick Stem Begonias are lesser known. The trailing varieties are prolific bloomers and the thick stem variety is used as showpieces. They show off their stems by dropping their leaves along the lower part of the stem and keeping only the top ones. They are attractive and worth growing as a focal plant.
Begonias prefer partial or dappled sunshine. Semperflorens can tolerate more sun than other varieties and the Rex begonias really prefer the shade. They like a moist soil and they will not tolerate frost, they will die in even a light frost. Begonias are ideal specimen plants in tubs and they flourish in hanging baskets – although Rex Begonias prefer lower positions as the light is too strong in baskets.
Propagating Begonias
Increasing the stock of Begonias is done by seed or cuttings and taking cuttings is the most popular method. Tuberous begonias are increased by dividing and replanting the tubers. When the tubers have sprouted new leaves pot them up into separate pots and keep them moist and warm.
Leaf propagating is done by simply taking a leaf, cut in into wedges with each wedge having a strong vein. Push the wedges into compost, do not let them overlap and cover the tray with clear plastic to increase humidity. After 4-6 weeks new sprouts should appear.
Begonia Problems
Begonias have very few disease problems. Watch out for mildew and if spotted remove the plant if possible to avoid contamination. Alternatively spray the plant with a fungicide.
For the garden or for the house, begonias are a delight to grow. Their stunning foliage and varied flowers make them the ideal plant to add color and style to any garden.
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