By Jennifer Olvera, Garden Guides Contributor
About Begonias
More than 2,000 species of begonia,a tropical and subtropical herb
and shrub,exist. While some are virtually indestructible, other
species are fragile and thrive in a terrarium setting. Widely
cultivated for ornamental purposes, the most commercial begonias
are the result of the complex hybrid production of many species.
Some are favored for their foliage, while others sport an
attractive floral display.
Because there are so many cultivars available, begonias are best
broken down into the following categories:
* Fibrous-rooted begonias
* Wax-leaved begonias
* Cane type or angel-wing begonias
* Rhizomatous-rooted begonias
* Tuberous-rooted begonias (tuberhybrida group)
* Cheimantha-type begonias
* Elatior-type begonias
* Rex begonias
* Brilliant-leaved begonias
* Dwarf begonias
* Spiral-leaved begonias
* Upright-stemmed begonias
Site Preparation
Select an area with bright shade in which to plant your begonia.
Work the soil at least 8 inches deep. Begonias require acidic,
well-drained soil with a low pH; enrich soil with peat moss or old
cow manure.
Potted begonias benefit from the use of a high-quality potting mix
with added perlite.
Special Features
Begonias are unusual in that the species, genus-wide, often can be
hybridized with one another.
Choosing a Variety
Given the many varieties of begonias out there, it's important to
note that they do not all have the same requirements. However, all
begonia varieties do prefer warm temperatures. Begonias of the
semperflorens group generally are grown in beds outdoors. Tuberous
begonias are a popular choice for container gardens, but they do
not do well indoors. Wax begonias (which are prized for their
leaves and nonstop floral display) and rieger begonias (which are
known for intense flower colors and unique designs) are popular
houseplant varieties. Consider how you plan to use your begonias,
and then select an appropriate variety.
Planting
Plant your begonia when all risk of frost is gone. Dig a hole as
deep as the size of the pot and slightly wider. Remove the begonia
from its container, and break up bound roots. Plant the begonia
carefully and firmly in the hole; do not plant the begonia deeper
than the division line between stem and root (or any deeper than
the container they were growing in) as the roots grow sideways and
to the surface. Space plants 6 to 12 inches apart. Mulch around but
not on top of the plants with 3 inches of organic compost. Water
deeply; the shallow root system cannot be allowed to dry out.
Care
Water begonias regularly and do not allow the soil to dry out or to
become too moist. Apply a solution of general-purpose fertilizer
once a month.
Begonias enjoy hard pruning, so do this whenever it seems
necessary. Use a synthetic pyrethroid, as needed, to prevent pests.
