There are many types of Begonias. Whether grown in more or less sun, outside or indoors will determine what type gardeners should choose. The information here covers begonias for shade in outside gardens and those best grown as houseplants.
Tuberous Begonias
Begonia x tuberhybrida, tuberous begonia, grows in full shade planted in well-draining soil. Tuberous begonias should be spaced well apart for good air circulation. Unless planted in zone 10, these tender perennial plants will not overwinter in the ground. Gardeners who want to save them for next year, will lift the tubers in fall and replant in spring.
Tuberous begonias have flowers with an upright or draping habit. Choose the correct form to avoid large leaved plants covering the flowers or drooping flower heads sunk in soil.
Tuberous begonia ‘Non Stop’ is the most popular cultivar with the greatest variety of color choices and proven reliability. The brightly colored large-sized flowers stand out against green foliage plants or will light up a dark garden for evening activities.
Hardy Begonias
The Begonia grandis plant grows to two feet tall. Sprays of flower clusters hang over the leaves giving the plant a drooping appearance. The green leaves have a succulent texture, and are widely ovate with reddish undersides and red veining, as well. These plants grow best in part shade, especially in southern regions.
Hardy begonia grows well outside in zones 6 – 9 but considered a tender perennial plant in colder regions. Gardeners increase mulch covers during winter to improve survival at the fringes of zone 6 or 5 climates.
Cultivars started from seed will produce auxiliary bulbs to replant. Begonia grandis ‘Heron’s Pirouette’ gets up to 15 inches tall and is easy to grow. The green triangular foliage has large deep pink flower sprays.
Begonia Varieties for Houseplants
There are many types of flowering houseplants. However, many gardeners love begonias so much the search for flowering begonias, to grow as houseplants, continues. Angel wing or dragon wing begonias, called cane types, are the best varieties of flowering begonias for indoor gardens.
Cane type begonias do not go dormant during the year. To thrive inside, place pots in bright light but not where the plant will sit in direct sun.
Gardeners do take cuttings from Begonia semperflorens, wax begonia bedding plants grown during the summer. Like others, these begonia plants require bright light when grown as houseplants.
Although the tuberous begonia is not the perfect flowering begonia for a houseplant, gardeners with bright light but no outdoor garden can enjoy these plants by allowing them to go through a dormant period after flowering. Here are the steps to follow to keep them for next year:
- In early fall, as leaves die back reduce watering and stop fertilizing.
- All dead flowers and leaves should be removed.
- Lay the tubers out on newspaper in a cool dark place to dry.
- Store the tubers in peat moss in paper bags where temperatures stay above freezing.
- In late winter, repot the tubers, water well and put in bright light.
- Start monthly fertilizing after leaves have sprouted.
The rex begonia is another plant grown indoors but not for the flowers. Rex begonias have many varieties with striking colorful foliage gardeners enjoy.
Permission received for all photos used in this article.
Chris Eirschele - Chris writes on plants grown and gardens explored; she is a member of the Garden Writers Association.
