
They can be grown indoors too but need bright light and good air circulation. Rex begonias like bright shade and moist soils and grow well in pots in humid shadehouse conditions. Rex begonias ( Begonia rex-cultorium) – a rhizomatous begonia type that produces amazing foliage that can be green, black, silver, red, pink, purple or metallic in combinations of swirls, splotches, spots and stripes! They do produce flowers but these are overshadowed by the impressive leaves. They can handle lower temperatures compared to other begonias and do best in dappled shade or morning sun with protection from hot afternoon sun. During the warmer months cane begonias produce lovely hanging flowers in shades of white, pink and red. They grow from distinctive strong canes and vary in height from 30cm up to 2m. Also known as wax begonias.Ĭane begonias ( Begonia coccinea)- these begonias are also called ‘angel wing’ begonias due to the shape of their leaves, which may also be spotted. Technically a perennial plant but are often treated as annuals, especially in cooler regions. They flower continuously and look best when mass planted in borders or containers. They have shiny green or bronze coloured waxy leaves and come with white, red or pink flowers. To make it a bit easier we’ve put the most common types into a few basic groups:īedding begonias ( Begonia semperflorens) – these are small, sun hardy plants that can be grown anywhere in Australia. With over 1,500 species of begonias as well as many hybrids and cultivars it can get very confusing talking about begonias. Regardless of where you live there’s a begonia that will thrive for you. They are prolific and long flowering plants that happily grow in garden beds as well pots and hanging baskets.īegonias mostly originate from tropical and subtropical areas but don’t let that put you off as many are extremely adaptable to other growing conditions. Replant the tuberous begonias in spring.Begonias come in all shapes and sizes and are highly prized for their brightly coloured flowers and patterned leaves. Room temperatures for storage should be between 40 and 50 degrees F (4-10 C).Ĭheck the tubers occasionally and discard any that are soft or rotten. Place each tuber in a small paper bag and store the bags in a cardboard box. Use a sharp knife to cut spent blooms as soon as they fade.Ĭut back on water in late summer, then dig the tubers when the foliage begins to turn yellow. Be sure to provide plenty of air circulation to prevent powdery mildew. Provide a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer monthly during the growing season. Water the plants regularly to keep the potting soil slightly moist. Plant the begonias outdoors when you’re sure all danger of frost has passed. You may need supplemental light to prevent the plants from becoming spindly. Plant each tuber into a pot when the shoots are about an inch (2.5 cm) long, then move the pots to bright light. Watch for the tubers to sprout in about a month. Water just enough to keep the potting mix moist. Store the tray in a dark room where the temperature is about 65 degrees F (18 C). Place the tubers an inch (2.5 cm) apart, hollow side up, in a shallow tray filled with moist potting mix and sand. However, you can also purchase tubers and plant them indoors six to eight weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. Tuberous begonias are available at most garden centers at spring planting time.

Begonias need moist, well-drained soil and are likely to rot in soggy conditions. A location in dappled or filtered light also works well, but the plants won’t survive midday sun or heat.
WAX BEGONIA SUN OR SHADE HOW TO
How to Grow Tuberous BegoniasĪlthough tuberous begonias are shade-loving plants, they also require a bit of morning or late afternoon sunlight. Otherwise, you’ll need to dig the tubers and store them during the winter. If you live in USDA plant hardiness zone 10 and above, you can grow tuberous begonias outdoors year-round. The gold, purple, green, or burgundy leaves are nearly as attractive as the flowers. Types of tuberous begonias include upright or trailing varieties with single, double, or ruffled blooms in tropical shades of pink, yellow, orange, red, and white. Read on for some tuberous begonia growing tips. Keeping the plant alive and healthy requires a bit of extra attention.


However, tuberous begonia isn’t a plant-it-and-forget-it plant.
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If you can’t decide what to plant in that protected, semi-shady corner, you can’t go wrong with tuberous begonia.
