Species begonia
Pink-red flowers and green leaves on maroon stems.

begonia

Begonia 'Canary Wing'

The Begonia 'Canary Wing' is an amazing plant species that adds vibrant colors to any garden. Its glossy green foliage is highlighted by eye-catching splashes of yellow, red, bronze, pink and white along its edges. This plant is easy to care for, and will thrive in bright, indirect light. Its long-lasting blooms make it a perfect addition to bouquets, and its cheerful foliage can easily brighten up a backyard patio. It enjoys moist soil, making it versatile enough to be planted outdoors or in a container. Whether used in a garden bed or as an elegant houseplant, the Begonia 'Canary Wing' will add excitement to any space with its showy blossoms and cheerful foliage.

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

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Indoors:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

When it comes to watering your begonia (Begonia 'Canary Wing'), it's important to keep its soil moist, but not overly saturated. Generally, this means watering about once a week—though you may have to adjust this depending on your home's climate. Allow the top layer of soil to dry out before re-watering, and avoid getting the leaves wet as they are quite fragile. If you're unsure of when to water, use your finger to check the soil's moisture level. If it feels wet, wait another few days before watering again.

sunlight

Begonia 'Canary Wing' plants need bright, indirect light every day for at least 6-7 hours. They do best with morning light or light coming in from east-facing windows. They can tolerate direct sun, however too much direct exposure to intense sun can cause the foliage to burn. They do not need any special attention to sunlight and can adjust to a variety of lighting conditions. However, for optimal health they should receive at least 6-7 hours of light every day.

pruning

Prune Begonia 'Canary Wing' lightly in late summer or early fall. This will encourage the stems and foliage to remain compact. To do this, simply pinch off the top 1 or 2 inches of the main stems after flowering is finished. Pruning will also reduce the risk of disease and insect infestations.

Season

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

Begonia 'Canary Wing' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Begonia 'Canary Wing' 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.