Species begonia
Bright-red flower having yellow anthers on a green stalk.

begonia

Begonia 'Bepared' DRAGON WING RED

Begonia 'Bepared' DRAGON WING RED is a beautiful, eye-catching plant that can brighten up any outdoor space. This annual begonia features large, bright red leaves that are shaped like a dragon's wings, up to 10" in length. The foliage adds a dramatic pop of color to your garden or patio. To top it off, this begonia boasts showy clusters of sweetly-scented pink/white blooms that are attractive to butterflies and other pollinators. Easy to maintain and tolerant of many conditions, Begonia 'Bepared' DRAGON WING RED is a must-have for any garden or landscape.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Stem Propagation,Leaf Cutting,Division,Air Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

10 - 11

Flowers:

Red Flowers

Sun:

part shade,full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

red,purple

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Indoors:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Begonias require frequent waterings to keep the soil moist. For 'Bepared' DRAGON WING RED begonias, water whenever the top 1-2 inches of the soil feels dry to the touch. A good rule of thumb is to water every 5-7 days, depending on the temperature and humidity in your home. Avoid over-watering and allow the soil to dry out in between waterings. Whenever you water, make sure to soak the soil thoroughly.

sunlight

Begonias prefer a medium amount of sunlight for good growth. For Begonia 'Bepared' DRAGON WING RED, the best amount of sunlight would be around 4-6 hours of direct sunlight on a daily basis. Too little sunlight would cause the begonia to become leggy and weak and too much sunlight can scorch the plant’s foliage. If the sunlight is too direct, you can consider putting a light shade over the plant for protection.

pruning

Pruning for Begonia ‘Bepared’ DRAGON WING RED should be done in the early spring or late summer, when the plant is growing fastest. These plants benefit from light trimming every 4-6 weeks during the active growing season in order to promote root and leaf growth, resulting in better bushiness. Avoid pruning when the plant is in bloom. When pruning, remove no more than 1/3 of the foliage, and cut off each stem at its base.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Begonia 'Bepared' DRAGON WING RED typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Begonia 'Bepared' DRAGON WING RED typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map

FAQ

Could Begonias be grown indoors?

Yes, Begonias can be grown indoors in a bright, sunny area. Begonias do best in temperatures between 60-70F and require a lot of moisture for healthy growth so consistent watering is key. They prefer indirect light and should be placed in a spot where they will receive indirect sunlight from a window or artificial lights that are around 12-14 hours each day. Begonias should also be fertilized with a house plant fertilizer once every 2 weeks and have their soil monitored to ensure proper drainage.

Are Begonias frost-tolerant?

Begonias are not typically very frost tolerant plants. While they can tolerate temperatures that dip slightly below the freezing mark, they cannot handle sustained cold temperatures or extended periods of frost. If you live in a region that experiences cold winters, it is best to treat your begonias as annuals and replant them in the spring and summer months.

Should Begonias be deadheaded regularly?

Yes, Begonias should be deadheaded regularly to support lush blooming and encourage healthy plants. Deadheading involves trimming off dead flowers and foliage and can be done with scissors or by pinching stems between your fingers. This helps promote new blooms and ensures Begonias remain healthy and vigorous. While the act itself is simple, it is important to deadhead regularly and consistently to keep your Begonia looking its best.

Could Begonias be propagated by stem cuttings?

Yes, begonias can be propagated by stem cuttings. To do so, use scissors or a sharp knife to cut the stem just below a node - that is the place on the stem where the leaves are growing. Make sure you have at least two set of leaves on each cutting and a few centimetres of stem above each node. Once you have your cuttings, remove the lower leaves and dip the cut ends into rooting hormone to encourage root growth. Then place the cutting into a moist peat moss and cover the pot with a clear plastic bag. Keep the pot in bright indirect light and make sure it's kept moist, misting it occasionally. After a few weeks, you should see roots beginning to form. Once the roots are established, you can transfer the plant to a pot with its permanent home.

Do Begonias have a strong scent?

No, Begonias do not have a strong scent. They have a thin, mild scent that is not especially overpowering or noticeable, especially when compared to other flowers such as roses or jasmine. Begonias are primarily known for their wide variety of colors, textures and sizes, rather than their scent.

Are Begonias invasive?

No, Begonias are not invasive. Begonias are classified as "tender perennials" and they remain in the same place year-round. While they can spread in favorable growing conditions, they are not considered an invasive species, as they are not capable of forming large colonies that can out-compete native vegetation. Begonias require consistent and frequent care as they do not survive heavy pruning, drought, or extreme heat or cold.

Could Begonias be grown from seeds?

Yes, begonias can be grown from seeds. They are easy to sow, and can be started indoors or outdoors. Starting begonia seeds indoors is recommended since they take a while to germinate and grow. Begonias need light to germinate, so keep in mind to sow the seeds shallowly and not to cover them with soil. Additionally, water the soil regularly to ensure it doesn't dry out and be sure to use a soilless seed starting mix for optimum germination.

Is Begonia a good plant for a shady garden?

Yes, Begonia is indeed a great plant for a shady garden. Its showy, brightly colored blooms will add some brightness to the area, and its easy-to-care-for nature means you won't have to worry about maintenance. Its shallow roots and bushy nature makes it the perfect plant for adding texture and interest to a garden. With its delicate leaves and vibrant blooms, the Begonia is perfect for providing a surprising pop of color to a shady garden.