Begonia

Begonias are flowering plants grown for their colorful blooms and ornamental foliage. They work well as houseplants, garden accents, and gift plants.

Begonia is a genus of over 2,000 species of tropical flowering plants. Gardeners group them into three types based on their root systems: tuberous begonias, rhizomatous begonias, and fibrous begonias. Some grow best indoors as houseplants. Others thrive outdoors in shaded garden beds and containers. Begonias prefer bright indirect light, high humidity, and consistently moist soil.

Begonias grow well in most climates and appear regularly at garden centers and nurseries. They adapt to a range of growing conditions and reward gardeners with months of color.

What are begonias?

Begonias belong to the Begoniaceae family. The genus contains more than 2,000 species. The most common include Begonia foliosa, Begonia cucullata, Begonia obliqua, Begonia cocinnea, and Begonia grandis.

Gardeners sort begonias into three groups based on root type: tuberous, rhizomatous, and fibrous. Each group has different growth habits and care needs.

Tuberous begonias

Tuberous begonias grow from thick fleshy tubers. Gardeners prize them for their large ruffled flowers in shades of pink, red, white, yellow, and orange. These begonias work well in outdoor containers and hanging baskets, especially in shaded spots. Common examples include Summerwings and Nonstop series.

Popular tuberous cultivars include ‘Angelique’, ‘Picotee’, and Superba series. These plants produce showy double or semi-double flowers that bloom from early summer until frost.

Rhizomatous begonias

Rhizomatous begonias have thick stems that creep along the soil surface. Gardeners grow them mainly for their ornamental leaves. The foliage shows intricate patterns in silver, burgundy, green, and purple. These types thrive as indoor container plants. Rex begonias and beefsteak begonias are the most familiar examples.

Specific rhizomatous varieties include ‘Red Heart Rex’, ‘Raindance Rex’, and ‘Purple Rain Rex’. Each displays bold leaf patterns that make them standout houseplants.

Fibrous begonias

Fibrous begonias have ordinary thin root systems rather than tubers or rhizomes. Gardeners grow them for foliage and use them as bedding plants in garden beds and containers. This group includes wax begonias, angel wing begonias, and polka dot begonias (Begonia maculata).

Common fibrous types include ‘Charm Pink’, ‘Pink Bronze Leaf’, ‘Torch Angel Wing’, and Dragon Wing begonias. These plants often have glossy leaves and small clusters of flowers.

Hybrid begonias

Some begonias are hybrids that cross different types. Rieger begonias, for instance, combine wax begonias and tuberous flowering begonias. These crosses often produce plants with the best traits of both parents.

Begonias range in height from two inches to six feet depending on the species. Most garden center begonias grow between six inches and two feet tall.

Where begonias come from

Begonias grow wild in eastern Asia, southern Africa, and South America. French botanist Charles Plumier documented them in 1690 while collecting plants in Brazil. By the 1700s they had become popular ornamental plants in European gardens.

Plumier named the genus after Michel Bégon, a French politician and plant collector who worked in Haiti. The name honored Bégon rather than describing the plant itself.

The American Begonia Society formed in 1932 in California. Herbert P. Dyckman and other growers established the organization during the Great Depression. According to the American Begonia Society, the group has grown substantially since then and now includes members across North America.

How to grow begonias

Most begonias bloom in summer. Some winter-blooming types flower during cooler months. Begonias prefer subtropical or tropical conditions with moderate temperatures and high humidity. They grow best in partial shade with bright indirect light.

Start begonias from stem cuttings, tubers, or young plants in March or April. Begin them indoors in a warm spot with good light. Move them outside after the last frost date once daytime temperatures stay above 60°F (15°C) and nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C). Place them where they receive morning sun and afternoon shade. Indoor begonias need bright indirect light from a window or grow light.

Plant tuberous begonias in well-draining potting mix with the concave side facing up. Cover the tuber with about half an inch of soil. Water lightly until shoots appear in six to eight weeks. Water more frequently once active growth starts.

Begonia care basics

Begonias need consistently moist soil but not soggy conditions. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Keep soil evenly moist during active growth. Reduce watering in winter when growth slows.

Feed begonias every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Stop fertilizing in fall when growth slows. Resume feeding in spring when new growth appears.

Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms. Pinch back leggy stems to promote bushier growth. Trim damaged or yellowing leaves as they appear.

Begonias in containers work well on patios and porches. Choose pots with drainage holes. Use a well-draining potting mix designed for container plants. Place containers in locations with morning sun and afternoon shade.

Overwintering begonias

Move potted begonias indoors before the first frost. Place them in a bright spot away from cold drafts. Reduce watering and stop fertilizing. The plants may lose some leaves as they adjust to indoor conditions.

Dig up garden begonias before frost kills the foliage. Lift the plants carefully to avoid damaging roots or tubers. Shake off excess soil and trim back stems and leaves.

Store tuberous begonias as dormant tubers. Let them dry for a few days after cleaning. Place dried tubers in bags or boxes filled with peat moss, vermiculite, or wood shavings. Store them in a cool dark location between 40°F and 50°F (4°C to 10°C). Check monthly to make sure tubers stay firm and show no signs of rot or excessive drying.

Replant stored tubers in spring when soil temperatures warm above 60°F (15°C). Start them indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost date for earlier blooms.

Repotting begonias

Repot begonias when roots fill the container or when the plant becomes top-heavy. Spring is the best time to repot most types. Choose a pot one or two inches larger than the current container. Use fresh well-draining potting mix.

Remove the plant from its old pot and loosen the root ball gently. Trim away any dead or damaged roots. Place the plant in the new pot at the same depth it grew before. Fill around the roots with fresh potting mix and water thoroughly.

Begonias grown in water can be moved to soil. Trim stem ends at an angle before planting. Make a hole in moist potting mix and insert the stem. Firm the soil around it. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to maintain humidity while roots develop. Remove the bag once new growth appears. Some gardeners dip stem ends in honey before planting to encourage rooting.

Large begonias can be divided during repotting. Separate the plant into sections with roots attached to each piece. Keep the healthiest sections and replant them in fresh potting mix.

Starting begonias indoors

Fibrous begonias such as wax leaf and angel wing types adapt well to indoor growing. Most other types also grow successfully inside with proper care.

Fill small pots or seed trays with well-draining potting mix. Plant tuberous begonias in early March with the concave side facing up. Cover tubers with about half an inch of soil. Moisten the soil lightly. Cover containers with plastic wrap or a clear lid to retain moisture.

Place containers in a location with bright indirect light such as near a north-facing window. Keep the temperature between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C). Never let it drop below 60°F (15°C).

Water sparingly until shoots appear above the soil in six to eight weeks. Roots develop first while top growth remains dormant. Remove the plastic covering once shoots emerge. Water more frequently as growth continues.

Move begonias outdoors after all danger of frost passes and outdoor temperatures stay consistently warm. Gradually acclimate plants to outdoor conditions over seven to ten days before transplanting them into the garden.

What begonias symbolize

Begonias carry several symbolic meanings. Historically they represented warnings and caution. People gave them as reminders to stay safe and alert. That meaning appears less often now but still surfaces in some contexts.

Begonias also symbolize individuality and uniqueness. Their distinctive appearance makes them fitting emblems for standing out. They represent gratitude and work well as thank-you gifts. Their association with purity leads to their use in religious ceremonies and christenings.

The flowers can express apology and forgiveness. They signify harmony in relationships and communication. Political negotiators sometimes exchange them as gestures of goodwill.

Color adds specific meanings. Red begonias convey passion, desire, and romantic love. Pink blooms express affection and gentle fondness. Yellow flowers represent joy, friendship, hope, and kindness. White begonias symbolize innocence and purity. They appear frequently at weddings and christenings.

People give begonias to express thanks, offer congratulations, or mark anniversaries. Writers sometimes use them differently in literature to suggest danger or darkness.

Important notes about begonias

Begonias contain compounds in their sap that can irritate skin and cause stomach upset if ingested. Keep them away from cats and dogs. The plants are toxic to pets and can cause vomiting and excessive drooling if eaten.

Begonias do not attract bees effectively. Their flowers produce little pollen and nectar. Choose other plants if you want to support pollinator populations in your garden.