Begonia × tuberhybrida (Tuberous Begonia)

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Begonia spp.

begonias

Begoniaceae

Tropical and subtropical regions worldwide except Australia

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Hummingbirds Deer Resistant Container Friendly

SunPart Shade – Full Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Begonia spp. is a genus of about 2,000 species of tender perennials in the family Begoniaceae, among the largest genera of flowering plants. Native to moist tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, plants range from low mounding forms a few inches high to cane-stemmed types 6 feet (1.8 m) tall, and include fibrous-rooted, tuberous, and rhizomatous groups. The leaves are the defining feature: alternate, often lopsided with one side larger than the other at the base, and variously lobed, toothed, or spiraled, in greens, silvers, bronzes, reds, and patterned combinations. Plants are monoecious, bearing separate male and female flowers on the same plant; the female flowers carry a conspicuous three-winged ovary behind the petals. Blooms are 0.3 to 3 inches (8 to 75 mm) wide in white, pink, red, orange, or yellow, single or double, and appear over long periods in warm conditions. Begonia spp. grows naturally in humid forest understories, on shaded rocks, and along streambanks. Most are frost-tender and are grown as houseplants, summer bedding, or container plants outside the tropics. All parts contain soluble calcium oxalates that irritate the mouth and digestive tract of pets and people if chewed, with the underground tubers holding the greatest concentration.

Native Range

Begonia spp. is native to humid tropical and subtropical regions around the world, including Central and South America, Africa, southern and Southeast Asia, and the Pacific, but is absent from Australia. Species grow in shaded, moist habitats such as rainforest floors, mossy rocks, cliff faces, and streamsides.

Suggested Uses

Begonia spp. is grown as shade bedding, in containers and window boxes, in hanging baskets for trailing tuberous types, and as foliage houseplants for the patterned-leaved rex and rhizomatous groups. Plants are spaced 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) apart in beds. The long bloom and shade tolerance suit north-facing and woodland plantings in frost-free seasons.

How to Identify

Identify Begonia spp. by asymmetrical leaves whose two halves differ in size where they meet the stalk, a trait shared across the genus. Stems and leaves are usually fleshy and brittle, and many species have red coloring on the leaf undersides. Flowers come in separate male and female forms on one plant, the female recognizable by a winged, three-sided ovary just behind the petals. Fibrous, tuberous, rhizomatous, cane, and rex types differ in root and stem structure but share these floral and leaf features.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height4" - 6'

Width/Spread6" - 3'

Colors

Flower Colors

red

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~20 weeks

Summer Fall

Bloom time depends on type and climate: wax begonias flower almost continuously in warm weather, tuberous begonias bloom from summer into autumn, and many indoor begonias flower year-round under bright light. Clusters of 0.3 to 3 inch (8 to 75 mm) flowers open in white, pink, red, orange, or yellow. The lighter male flowers usually open before the winged female flowers in each cluster. Deadheading and warmth prolong the display.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white, pink, red, orange, or yellow

Foliage Description

green, silver, bronze, red, or patterned, often red beneath

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunPartial Shade SunFull Shade

Requires 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 6.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam peat

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

blooms within the first season

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Begonia spp. grows in bright, indirect light to partial shade and moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil at a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. Plants need warmth above 50 F (10 C), consistent moisture, and humidity, but waterlogged soil and wet leaves bring on stem rot and powdery mildew. Indoors they are watered when the top inch of mix dries and fed lightly during active growth. Tuberous types are lifted and stored dry over winter in cold climates, while fibrous and rhizomatous types are kept as houseplants. Most are hardy only in USDA zones 9 to 11 and are grown as annuals or containers elsewhere. All parts contain calcium oxalate crystals that are toxic to dogs, cats, and people if eaten.

Pruning

Pinching the growing tips of cane and wax Begonia spp. keeps plants bushy and increases flowering, while leggy stems are cut back hard in spring to force fresh growth from the base. Spent flowers and yellowing leaves are removed to limit disease. Rhizomatous and rex types need only the removal of old leaves and faded bloom stalks.

Pruning Schedule

early spring