My Blooming Begonias
I have long loved begonias and right now my large collection is blooming in the greenhouse with so many beautiful and delicate pink and white flowers.
Begonia is a genus in the family Begoniaceae. The genus contains at least 1500 different plant species and numerous hybrids. They are native to Mexico, Central and South America, Asia and South Africa - regions with tropical and subtropical climates. There are different types of begonias, including tuberous begonias, semperflorens begonias, rex begonias, and rhizomatous begonias. Rhizomatous begonias are grown for their interesting and spectacular leaves. They come in an array of sizes, colors and textures, and can be small or large, smooth or veiny, decorated in bold accents of red, copper and silver or subtle shades of green. While the plants can grow very large horizontally, they don’t reach great heights because they grow from the rhizomes, which creep along the soil, or just above it in twisted trunks.
Here are some photos.
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- My growing collection of begonias is one of the first you see when entering my main greenhouse. I keep my begonias on a long, sliding table, so each plant is within easy reach.
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- Rhizomatous begonias range from small, delicate plants with one-inch wide leaves to large, robust specimens with 12-inch wide leaves or more.
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- Because these plants store water in the rhizomes, which are their thick, fuzzy stems, it is important not to overwater them. Only water these plants when the top one-inch of soil feels dry.
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- They also display clusters of small lovely blooms that grow like clouds above the foliage.
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- Rhizomatous begonia flowers bloom in late winter to early spring and can range from shades of pink blush to bright white.
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- Most rhizomatous begonias are grown for their interesting leaves – there are so many great shapes, sizes and colors. This is Begonia ‘Little Brother Montgomery.’ It has starburst-shaped maroon-and-silver foliage and features fragrant blooms when mature.
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- This is Begonia ‘soli-mutata’. It is a compact medium-sized species from Brazil. The heart-shaped leaf colors vary depending on its exposure to bright light, which is why its common name is Sun Tan Begonia. Several of my ‘soli-mutata’ plants were grown from leaf cuttings off one parent plant.
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- Begonias are propagated from seed or cuttings. You can root rhizome pieces in a mixture of half peat moss, half perlite.
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- To successfully grow rhizomatous begonias, use clay pots and only repot one size up when the roots have filled their current vessel.
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- Begonias grow best in light, well-drained soil. Any good quality light potting mix will work well.
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- Begonias should be fed a general purpose fertilizer every other week during spring and summer.
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- The foliage on this begonia is bold green on one side…
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- …and dark pink on the other. Many begonia leaves are also textured on the back – notice all the veining.
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- Begonias are remarkably resistant to pests primarily because their leaves are rich in oxalic acid – a natural insect repellent.
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- This begonia specimen is called ‘Madame Queen’. It boasts large, ruffled leaves distinctly marked with green on top and a red colored underside.
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- This whimsical looking variety is Begonia ‘Wightii’, Begonia maculata variegata, with its spotted leaves. Its nickname is “polka dot” and is a vigorous grower best suited for upright pots.
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- Begonia paulensis has very distinctive foliage. The leaves are large, and shiny green with an extremely textured surface. Keep this houseplant in a shady area during summer months to prevent leaf burn.
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- Some begonia leaves will actually feel very crispy when touched, so handle the foliage gently to prevent cracking.
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- The stems of the begonia carolineifolia are exceptionally thick, and show the scars of felled leaves. As a houseplant, the begonia carolineifolia is highly decorative and easy to grow.
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- And, one of my favorite begonias is Begonia ‘Martha Stewart’. I got it two years ago from Logee’s Plants for Home and Garden in Danielson, Connecticut. It was during one of my visits to Logee’s when owner, Byron Martin, had me select one of the unnamed specimens to be named after me – I was so excited and so honored. It continues to grow and thrive in my greenhouse.
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- As you can see, I chose an elegant, spiraled-leaf begonia. It has a compact growth habit and is about eight inches in height with a mounding display of beautiful leaves. The leaf color is constantly changing and starts out with soft tones of tan, chartreuse, and beige with inner spirals of deep bronze. With increased light, the bronze tones deepen to a rustic orange. Begonia ‘Martha Stewart’ is a strong grower.
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- There is no end to the variety of leaf shape, color and texture in the begonia. Begonias make wonderful year-round houseplants. My collection of begonias continues to grow. I hope you are inspired to get one for your windowsill.
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