Species begonia
Green leaves and pink-red-white flowers with a yellow stamens held above the green foliage.

begonia

Begonia (Semperflorens Cultorum Group)

The Begonia (Semperflorens Cultorum Group) is renowned for its showy and eye-catching display of vibrant pink and white flowers. These flowers are often referred to as being “non-stop” bloomers, as they will continually flower from late spring all the way through to autumn. This amazing species is incredibly hardy as well, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor planting. It is also able to thrive in either shady or full sun environments, adding to its appeal. Begonia (Semperflorens Cultorum Group) is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a long-flowering and hardy plant that will bring color and cheer to any garden.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

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

Hardiness Zone:

10 - 11

Flowers:

White, pink, red, bicolor Flowers

Sun:

part shade,part sun/part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

bronze,green,red,pink,white

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Indoors:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

For begonias, you should water when the top of the soil feels dry (about once per week). It's especially important to keep the soil moist during the flowering season which is usually in late spring and summer. Don't let the soil get too wet or soggy, it should be moist but not soaked. It's better to water sparingly to avoid root rot or other diseases. You should water your begonias with about 2-3 inches of water per week. Make sure to water the soil deeply and not just the top of the soil to make sure the roots are adequately watered.

sunlight

Begonias prefer partial to full shade depending on the variety. For the begonia (Semperflorens Cultorum Group) it should receive at least 4-6 hours of bright but not direct sunlight each day.It is best to provide your begonia with indirect sun, early morning sun or afternoon sun is best for this plant. Make sure the sunlight does not reach the leaves directly, as this could burn them.

pruning

Pruning should be done before the buds open, during the active growing season, which is late spring through early fall. Pruning should be done at least once a year, but more often if the plant is growing vigorously. Prune the crowding, dead, or diseased branches and those that have crossed the center of the plant. Make the cuts just above a node. Young plants can benefit from pruning to shape the plant and encourage branching for more flowers. Pruning should be done lightly, with no more than 1-third of the plant pruned.

Season

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

Begonias typically start flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and July.

Starts Flowering

Begonias typically start flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and July.

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.