Begonias a good choice for lovely flowers and foliage
I’VE always loved the gorgeous begonias found in colder climates. They are classic western garden favourites because they are easy to grow and for their beautiful colours. Locally we can also choose the right tropical varieties to grow. We just need to provide the plant with the right location. Over the years, I have grown five varieties in my own home garden. Begonias are a good choice for gardeners looking for rewarding plants. Background Begonias come from the family known as Begoniaceae. The vegetative foliage plants include Begonia brevirimosa and Begonia aconitifolia. There are also numerous flowering varieties and cultivars in many different colours and shapes. The genus of the perennial flowering begonia contains thousands of different plant species. These are native to moist subtropical and tropical climates. Begonia semperflorens grows quickly and will reward with attractive foliage and frilly flowers. Wax begonias or bedding begonias are annual plants.
The variety most suitable for us to plant here would be those that are both hardy and tolerant of heat as long as enough nutrients are provided. Try the shrub-like begonias that are compact and have tighter clusters of threeinch leaves. The leaves are dark brown and the stems are as long as two feet, bearing clusters of bright red flowers that are long-lasting too. They are good ornamentals for indoor planting.
Begonias are common household ornamental plants. There are also some epiphytic and terrestrial herbs or undershrubs. These plants are monoecious with unisexual male and female flowers occurring separately on the same plant. The fruit is a dinged capsule with minute seeds. Leaves are large and variously marked or variegated.
They are typically potted plants, mostly growing up to 12 inches tall. However, some can grow up to three feet tall. There are some varieties that need annual replanting, while others just need to be left alone to continue thriving. Should they become overgrown, they will drop over the edge of the pot. If left in this state, the foliage would continue to thrive but there would be less flowers.
One of my favourite varieties would be the Angelwing begonia (Begonia aconitifolia x coccinea) with large brownish red leaves and reddish flowers. This is a type that is very easy to grow on your own. Cultivation To plant begonias, remove the bulbs, seeds or transplant mature plants from old pots. Place them into new pots by removing some lower older branches leaving the healthy tops. Cover the root ball, bulb or seeds with a few inches of the planting mixture.
Water the newly-planted begonias well to avoid transplant shock. However, be careful not to drown the plants. Ideally keep the medium moist.
Most begonias are propagated by division or from stem cuttings. Some are propagated with leaf cuttings or by seeds. Other tuberous begonias use the tubers for growing. The different groups of begonias would have different requirements for growing well, but most species from tropical regions and their hybrids require warm temperatures. As forest understory plants, they need good shade but still have access to bright sunlight.
For growing tuberous begonias, cooler temperatures are required before the hot weather arrives for flowering season. Tubers be placed with the hollow side upwards just below the surface of the medium but do not overwater.
The plants need a well-drained medium for good growth and flowering. Choose porous, slightly acidic peat and moss soil mixes, as they are best to retain moisture. The general step of medium preparation involves mixing peat moss and a soilfree potting mixture. Actually a no-soil medium is better for the planting.
The fertiliser should be mild. If something stronger is used on begonias it could cause salt burn. It is recommended to use an organic-based fertiliser regularly.
After the plant has flowered, ensure you remove the deadheads to promote new growth. This is to allow the nutrients to be diverted to other parts of the plant. Common diseases and pests The most common disease is caused by fungi and bacteria so for prevention ensure there is good air circulation. Prevent powdery mildew by using a fungicide spray. Tuberous begonias need a dormancy period after blooming. This is when the foliage turns yellow and dries up. The tubers can be lifted out or left in the pots, but they must be stored in a cool and dry area for a spell.
Sometimes mealybugs might attack the plants. They can be prevented by rubbing the pests with alcohol.
Do send me an email if you have any questions, comments or suggestions. Happy gardening.