Begonia × semperflorens-cultorum
wax begonia
Hybrid group; parent species from southern Brazil
SunPart Shade – Full Sun
WaterMedium
Overview
Begonia spp. × semperflorens-cultorum (wax begonia, bedding begonia) is a mounding tender annual growing 6–15 inches (15–38 cm) tall and 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) wide. White, pink, red, or bicolor flowers 0.5–1.5 inches (12–38 mm) appear continuously from planting through first frost — the species epithet semperflorens means always flowering. Spent flowers drop without deadheading (self-cleaning). Glossy waxy rounded leaves 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) in green-leaved or bronze to dark red-leaved forms; the waxy leaf sheen gives the common name. The species belongs to Begoniaceae spp.. Monoecious: separate male and female flowers on the same plant — male flowers have prominent yellow stamens at the center; female flowers have a winged ovary behind the petals. A hybrid group derived from Brazilian species. Bronze-leaved forms tolerate more direct sun than green-leaved forms — green-leaved types scorch in full afternoon sun. Overwatering and poor drainage cause succulent stem rot; the fleshy stems snap when bent. Tender — killed by the first frost. The continuous self-cleaning bloom from planting through frost with no deadheading required is the primary cultivation trait. Mildly toxic to dogs and cats (calcium oxalates). Deer-resistant. Part shade to full sun (bronze-leaved forms).
Native Range
Hybrid group of garden origin. Parent species native to southern Brazil.Suggested Uses
Used as bedding, edging, mass planting, and in containers of at least 1 gallon (3.8 L), spaced 6–12 inches (15–30 cm). Continuous self-cleaning bloom from planting through frost. Bronze-leaved forms for sunnier sites. Tender annual. Mildly toxic to pets. Deer-resistant.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 1'3"
Width/Spread6" - 1'
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White, pink, red, or bicolor; single or double; 0.5-1.5 inches (12-38 mm); continuous from planting through first frost; self-cleaningFoliage Description
Glossy; waxy; rounded; 2-4 inches (5-10 cm); green-leaved or bronze to dark red-leaved forms; the waxy sheen gives the common nameGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-8 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in part shade to full sun with 3–8 hours of direct light; bronze-leaved forms tolerate more sun than green-leaved forms, which can scorch in full afternoon sun. Well-drained soil at pH 6.0–7.0 in loam. Overwatering and poor drainage cause succulent stem rot. Tender annual — killed by first frost. Self-cleaning: no deadheading. Mildly toxic to dogs and cats (calcium oxalates). Deer-resistant.Pruning
No pruning required. Self-cleaning — spent flowers drop without intervention. Leggy stems can be pinched to encourage bushier growth. The plant is discarded at end of season (annual).Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons
⚠️ Toxicity Warning
Toxic to petsPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
transplant
Indoor Start
14 weeks before last frost
Days to Maturity
60–90 days
Plant Spacing
9 inches
Companion Planting
Good Companions