There are so many new varieties of begonias to choose from! Here’s what you need to know about growing different types.
They are southern perennials, which means that in frost-free climates, they can live all year round. They like conditions that appeal to many tropical plants. They like morning sun and a little afternoon shade. Wax begonias can tolerate more sun than other types, and the ones with bronze-colored leaves are the most sun-tolerant of all. They like rich organic soil. They are great for containers and look great with other plants such as impatients. Use them as bedding plants, since they like rich organic soil and look great when grown in groups. They like to be moist, but will rot if kept too soggy. Use a water soluble fertilizer once a month. They don’t like cold temperatures below 50 degrees. Pinch back leggy stems and deadhead spent flowers to keep them in top shape.
Different Types of Begonias
If you think all begonias are the same, think again! There are so many types, with different leaf shapes, colors, and growth habits. Some look more like trailing ivy, and others will wow you with spectacularly rose-like blossoms. They are categorized both by their growth habit and their root systems. They are described using terms like; Cane-like, Fibrous, Hardy, Rhizomatous, Semperflorens, Shrub-like, Thick-stemmed or trailing. If you’re planning to grow them as an annual there’s not much difference in how you grow them. Some varieties are more sun-tolerant than others, but for the most part you can just pick the one you like best. Give them bright light, a little sun protection in the heat of the day, and regular water, and enjoy!
The differences in begonia types really becomes important if you decide to grow them year-round. It’s quite easy to keep begonias over the winter, but different types need a little different attention. Fibrous – Rooted Begonias, which include wax begonias, cane-like begonias, and dragon-wing. These plants have a regular root ball, with thin, stringy roots. Most of these plants will continue growing and blooming all year long if you bring them inside before the first frost, put in a bright window, keep moist, and continue feeding. Rhizomatous, to recognize these look at the soil surface, and you’ll see the stems and roots peeking out of the soil. Like fibrous-rooted begonias, these types are easy to keep as houseplants. They’re mostly grown for their foliage, but some varieties will even bloom in the winter. Rex Begonias are the showiest of all begonias and will continue growing indoors in the winter. Tuberous Begonias have a fleshy, round root – think potato – and bloom in late summer and fall. They go dormant in the winter, before the first frost, dig up the tubers and store them in a cool dry place for the winter. Once the danger of frost has passed, replant them in pots or outdoors.
No matter the variety you pick, you are sure to love the addition to Begonias to your garden and containers.