The wide world of begonias
Yes, I really do love begonias. They are a very fascinating group of plants. I don’t know if is because of the color; there are thousands of variations in the flowers and especially in the leaves. Perhaps it is because there are dozens of kinds: rex, iron cross, annual, cane and many more. Many can be classified by their root systems. They can have fibrous roots, such as those lovely small begonias in our gardens that have red or green leaves, and pink, white or red flowers. Then there is the tuberous begonia that we so often see in hanging pots on a front porch; this one has the largest flowers of all the begonias, and we see them in a myriad of colors: red, yellow, white and pink and in many bicolors. These originated in Belgium. And, then, too, we have the begonias that have rhizome root systems. This is a stem that has adapted itself to grow underground, forms roots and, as parts of it reach the top of the soil, it throws out new offshoot plants.
Let us look at some of the different types. Scientists call them classes or groups. First and foremost, we have the semperflorens. These are the garden begonias, often called wax begonias that we plant in spring in our gardens. These bloom throughout the summer and are notable for their round, shiny leaves. They will thrive in nearly every area of the garden, excepting in bright, burning sunlight, and they will reward you with a constant array of flowers.
yellow begonia - News
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New varieties unveiled at California Spring Trials In Oxnard, Calif., Green Fuse has released its Begonia boliviensis series consisting of three colours: red, rose and white. PlantHaven literally rolled out |
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Day 3 of California Spring Trials – Heavy rainstorms, wild gerberas and a ... Green Fuse has released its Begonia boliviensis series consisting of three colors: red, rose and white. The series is very free bloom producing a flatter and more » |
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Gardening in the shade does not have to be frustrating Wax begonia is another shade loving annual. The succulent leaves are dark green or bronze depending on the cultivar. The flowers are white, pink, |
Missouri Botanical Garden Identifies 18 New Plants of Merit for the Midwest in ...
In the perennial category is Hardy begonia (Begonia grandis). This begonia is winter hardy in the St. Louis area, but appreciates a good winter mulch to
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Lechlade botanist returns from Congo trip He said one of his most exciting finds was a yellow-flowered Begonia that is also found in tropical Africa. Ben is no stranger to discovery. |
