Regardless of the species or cultivar, the flowers of this genus are monoecious, that is, a given flower on a plant is either female or male.īegonia grandis, also known as the Hardy Begonia, is a well-known exception that is winter hardy in temperate regions, being hardy to H5/H6. The famed Begonia rex cultivars originate from the species which is native to North-East India and Myanmar. Other countries which boast their own brands of Begonias include Ecuador, Andean Peru, Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Mexico, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, India, Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo, Southern China, Vietnam, Philippines, and the Koreas.Ī few Begonias are native only to isolated areas in remote locations such as Sao Tome, the Bolivian Andes, and New Guinea in contrast, Begonia cucullata grows freely across a huge swath of land in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Others grow in the wild on moist, shady slopes.īegonia habitats are the tropical and subtropical regions of South America, Central America, Central Africa, and Eastern Asia, with Southern China, Ecuador, and Cameroon being particular centres of diversity. Two new species of Begonia from Andean Peru. Some tuberous varieties thrive in dry and cool climes like those of the Peruvian Andes. nigricansįor the most part, Begonias are understorey plants that grow in the cool and moist conditions of a rainforest canopy in their native habitats, for example, Cameroon and Malaysia. Habitat & Growing Conditions Begonia mazae f. What is more, they branch repeatedly so that besides being big, they are also broad and bushy.Īs for the blooms and the leaves, they are colourful, striking and vibrant. How things have changed! Newer cultivars are big, beautiful beasties they average 40cm and the tallest reach a height of 85cm. Wax and cane-like begonias would best be described as petite and cute varieties for beds and small pots, as these plants grow to about 15cm and no more than about 22cm at most. They also provide so much colour with their foliage.”Īdvances in Begonia horticulture occur at a dizzying pace. You can’t get it wrong with them, they can be divas, but they are easily fixed. “You know then to just give them a little bit of water.

“They can be a little fussy, as they don’t like to be over or underwatered, but they let you know in a simple way by just wilting a little.

“If I was going to recommend a houseplant to a beginner, I’m drawn to the various different types of begonia,” shares Mr Plant Geek Michael Perry. semperflorens or wax Begonias are effectively annuals in temperate regions but can live for several years in tropical climates or controlled environments. However, some varieties can be grown indoors, besides in greenhouses, as perennials.įor example, B. Retrieved March 13, 2023, from īecause they cannot survive a frost, most varieties are grown as annuals in the United Kingdom. South America, Central America, Central Africa and South Asiaīegonias are herbaceous perennials in their native habitats in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of South America, Central America, Central Africa, and Southern Asia. “These plants produce long-lasting clusters of pendulous flowers with various leaf shapes that have interesting colouring, patterning and texture.” Overview Botanical Name “My passion for growing begonias stems from the variety and colour in the flowers and the foliage,” says Janeen. In our Begonia guides we feature advice from Janeen Randle, President of the Melbourne Begonia Society. Some gardeners may know Begonias as perennials others as annuals.įlower lovers may go crazy about the vast variety of blossoms foliage enthusiasts are equally fixated on fancy-leaf hybrids. 1 The BRAHMS Project, University of Oxford, Department of Plant Sciences. The ever-popular Begonia is not a single type of plant or flower – it is a genus comprising over 1,900 species and over 10,000 cultivars.

Wax begonia sun requirements