Lexi Webster
Begonias are a diverse group of flowering plants that are highly prized for their brightly coloured flowers and patterned leaves. They are low-maintenance plants that can be grown both indoors and outdoors in Australia. With over 1900 species, they come in all shapes and sizes, and there is a begonia for every Australian garden.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | Tropical and subtropical areas |
| Variety | Tuberous, Cane, Bedding, Semperflorens, Elatior, Rhizomous, Wax, Rex |
| Height | 15cm-2m |
| Foliage | Olive to bright green, bronze to red, black, silver, purple, metallic |
| Climate | Frost-free temperate, subtropical, tropical |
| Soil | Deep, well-drained, humus-rich, slightly acidic (pH 5.5-6.5) |
| Watering | Regular, light watering or misting to keep soil moist but not wet |
| Feeding | Liquid fertiliser once a week during growing season |
| Propagation | Leaf or stem cuttings, seeds |
| Pests | Insects |
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Begonia varieties
Begonias are a diverse group of flowering plants with a wide variety of shapes, colours, and sizes. They are cultivated and enjoyed by gardeners and plant enthusiasts worldwide, both indoors and outdoors. Begonia varieties include:
Bedding/Shrub Begonias
This is the hardiest of all Begonia varieties. They can be grown in full sun to full shade and are low-growing, creating a bedding effect. This variety is often seen in public gardens, hanging baskets, or streetscapes. Bedding Begonias are short, with a maximum height of 30 cm, and their leaves can be bronze, green, or variegated. Their flowers are usually white, pink, or red.
Cane Begonias
Cane Begonias have tall bamboo-like stems and wing-shaped leaves, often with striking markings. They can grow quite tall, up to 2 metres in height, and are best grown in shade or semi-shade, away from the afternoon sun. They need staking and training as some stems can grow horizontally. One of the most popular varieties is B. coccinea, which has pendulous heart-shaped leaves with red undersides and margins.
Rhizomous Begonias
The most common Rhizomous Begonia is the Rex Begonia, which has beautifully patterned leaves. They are best grown in a sheltered, shady environment and make great indoor plants. Begonia 'Escargot' is a rex hybrid Begonia with amazing spiral leaves, while Begonia 'Gryphon' has leaves that resemble the wings of an enchanted dragon.
Tuberous Begonias
Tuberous Begonias (Begonia tuberhybrida) are often difficult to grow and are more sensitive to cold temperatures. They have showy double flowers that come in a wide range of colours and prefer a sheltered position in full to semi-shade. They are great for pots, and the cascading variety looks lovely in hanging baskets.
Elatior Begonia
Elatior Begonia is a short-lived, indoor plant with flowers in pastel shades of pink, apricot, peach, lemon, and white, as well as heart-shaped leaves. It is usually available in pots.
Trailing Begonia
Trailing Begonias are perfect for hanging baskets or in the garden, trained to grow up a post or trellis. Some can grow to 2 metres or more, and some varieties flower throughout the year with pink or white flowers.
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Growing conditions
Begonias are a diverse group of flowering plants that come in all shapes and sizes. They can be grown outdoors in a pot, hanging basket, or garden bed, and some varieties make excellent indoor plants. They can be grown from seeds, but it is best to use seed-raising trays to ensure the seeds are not covered. Begonias can also be easily propagated from leaf or stem cuttings.
Begonias mostly originate from tropical and subtropical areas, but many are extremely adaptable to other growing conditions. They can be grown in full sun to full shade, depending on the variety. Some begonias, like the bedding begonias, thrive in full sun, while others, like the tuberous begonia, prefer a sheltered position in full to semi-shade. Cane begonias, which can grow quite tall, should be kept away from the afternoon sun and grown in shade or semi-shade. Rhizomous begonias, such as the Rex Begonia, prefer a sheltered, shady environment and make great indoor plants.
Begonias prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. The soil should be deep, well-drained, and rich in organic matter or compost. Begonias will quickly rot if the soil is too wet, so it is important to ensure good drainage. When growing in pots, choose a suitable potting mix designed for acid-loving plants and ensure the pot has good drainage. Begonias should be watered regularly, but be careful not to overwater them. Keep the soil moist by lightly watering or misting it, and add mulch to maintain soil moisture. Feed begonias with a liquid fertiliser once a week during the growing season (spring and summer).
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Plant care
Begonias are native to Central and South America, Asia, and Africa, and they are a semi-tropical or tropical plant. They are grown for their attractive flowers and brightly coloured leaves. They can be grown outdoors in a pot, hanging basket, or garden bed, and some varieties make excellent indoor plants.
Position
Begonias can be grown in full sun, shade, or semi-shade, depending on the type. Some varieties love full sun, while others prefer full shade, so it's important to refer to the plant's label or do your research. For example, Cane Begonias grow well in shade or semi-shade and should be kept away from the afternoon sun. Bedding Begonias can be grown in full sun to full shade and are often seen in public gardens, hanging baskets, or streetscapes.
Soil
Begonias prefer rich, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Check your soil's pH before planting and adjust it if needed. For begonias in pots, use a high-quality all-purpose potting mix with adequate drainage holes.
Watering
Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Begonias enjoy humidity, so regularly water or mist the soil, but don't overwater as this can cause root rot. Begonias are somewhat drought-tolerant once established, but they can rot if there is too much water or if the soil is constantly saturated.
Feeding
Feed begonias throughout the growing season (spring and summer) once a week with a liquid fertiliser. You can also apply a balanced slow-release granular fertiliser at the time of planting or use a liquid fertiliser once a month during the growing season.
Pruning
Begonias need little to no pruning. If plants become too leggy, you can pinch back the stem tips. Begonia flowers are self-cleaning and don't require deadheading.
Propagation
Begonias are easy to propagate from leaf or stem cuttings. You can cut a leaf into wedges, dip it into plant cutting powder, and place it on a tray of moist seed-raising mix. You can also put 10-15 cm stem cuttings in a jar of water until roots form, then pot the new plants in a free-draining, light potting mix.
Overwintering
Overwinter begonia plants indoors as houseplants. Bring them inside before temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit and place them in a window with bright light. Reduce watering, keeping the soil only slightly moist. Tuberous Begonias go dormant in winter, so store the tubers in peat moss or sawdust and keep them in a cool place. In early spring, repot them in fresh potting soil and wait until temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night before placing them outdoors again.
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Propagation
Begonias are remarkably easy to propagate, and there are several methods to do so. One of the most popular ways is to use stem cuttings, sometimes called tip cuttings. The plant will clone itself by sprouting roots on a piece of the stem that is in a moist growing medium. Cuttings can be placed in water to root, or directly into light, well-drained soil. The leaves can be positioned closely together, but not touching. The soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Another method is to use leaf cuttings. Any viable leaves that fall off during regular grooming or repotting can be saved for rooting purposes. Simply snip a leaf, push its stem into potting soil, and keep it moist. After a few weeks, new leaves will begin to emerge.
Begonia plants can also be grown from seeds, though the seeds are quite fine, so they should be grown in seed-raising trays and lightly pressed into the mix, not covered. Water them well, ensuring they don't dry out.
Begonias are remarkably resistant to pests, primarily because their leaves are rich in oxalic acid, a natural insect repellent. They can also handle some periods of drought, but they prefer to be well-watered. However, they can rot if they are overwatered, so it is important to ensure the soil is not constantly saturated.
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Edible begonias
Begonia flowers are edible in small quantities and have a light, crisp texture with a tangy, citrus flavour. Begonia x tuberhybrida and wax begonias (B. x semperflorens-cultorum) are edible. The petals can be used to garnish salads, sandwiches, cakes, and cocktails. Begonia stems can be eaten like rhubarb, and the leaves can be added to salads. However, the flowers and stems contain oxalic acid, which can be toxic, so they should be consumed in moderation and are not recommended for people with gout, kidney stones, or rheumatism.
In Australia, begonias can be grown outdoors in pots, hanging baskets, or garden beds, and some varieties can also be grown indoors. The climate preferences vary among begonia species, but generally, they thrive in tropical and subtropical environments and prefer humidity. They require well-drained soil and regular watering without overdoing it, as they can rot if the soil is too wet.
There are several popular varieties of begonias in Australia, including:
- Bedding/shrub begonias: This variety is commonly seen in public gardens, hanging baskets, or streetscapes. They can be grown in full sun to full shade and are low-growing.
- Cane begonias: This variety has tall, cane-like growth and can reach up to 2 metres in height. They are best grown in shade or semi-shade and kept away from the afternoon sun. Some popular species include B. coccinea and B. maculata.
- Rhizomous begonias: The Rex Begonia is the most well-known rhizomous begonia and is commonly grown as an indoor plant in a sheltered, shady environment.
- Tuberous begonias: These begonias have showy double flowers in various colours and prefer a sheltered position in full to semi-shade. They are often grown in pots, with tubers planted during winter and early spring.
Begonias can be easily propagated from leaf or stem cuttings or grown from seeds. They prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Regular feeding with a liquid fertiliser is recommended during the growing season.
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