Begonia

Family

Begoniaceae

Origin

Brazil , Asia

Description

Begonia  is one of the most impressive annual flowers & also one the most elegant of shade-loving plants. The best thing about these plants is that they offer an all-season display of color in the shady areas of the landscape where many flowers will not perform.

This annual flower grows up to 12 inches forming a small, bushy plant with textured, medium-green foliage. The Begonia plant is a heavy bloomer that produces large, fully double, red, white, yellow, orange, and pink flowers. Begonia performs exceptionally well in shady areas brightening gardens with its intense color.

Hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees likes to visit the blooming flowers.

Environment

Begonia  is native to high altitudes & grows best in partial sun or partial shade. The plant likes rich, organic, well-drained soil with pH 5.5-6.2, but Begonia can survive in many types of soils. The extensive heat or high humidity should be avoided.

Planting Tips

Begonia  seeds have to be sown on surface -press seeds slightly into the soil. Do not cover seed as light is required to germinate. Plant spacing should be around 10 inch.  Water from underneath, and cover the flower seed tray with either glass or plastic wrap to help hold the moisture in. It takes 17-28 days for plant to emerge. Once emerged, Begonia likes to grow in partial sun or partial shade and needs to be shaded from a direct sunlight, but some sun is still needed for the best performance.

Landscape

Begonia is an excellent plant to grow in handing baskets and containers. The Begonia flower also provides an outstanding colorful display when planted in flower beds and borders.