Begonias

Begonias are a commonly used bedding plant that can provide striking color in the landscape throughout the year. The begonia family contains more than 1,200 species and hybrids, many of which are commonly grown as potted foliage plants.

In the landscape, bushy, fibrous-rooted wax begonias are most popular. Wax begonias are tender to the cold, so should be planted in the spring, after the danger of frost has passed. Their pink, white, or red flowers have rich color, even during the summer.

Begonias can be used in mass plantings, or they can be mixed with other annuals. They thrive in light, well-drained soil with lots of organic matter. Plant them as soon as possible after purchase.

UF/IFAS Sites

• Beautiful Begonias
• Florida Plant ID: Begonia

UF/IFAS Publications

• Gardening with Annuals in Florida
• Begonia Basket Options (PDF)
• Begonia tuberhybrida Hybrid Tuberous Begonia
• Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum Fibrous Begonia, Wax Begonia
• Fibrous-Rooted Begonias for Florida
• Recycling the Rex Begonia (PDF)

Also on Gardening in a Minute

• Annual Flowers
• Angel-wing Begonias
• Perennials for the Shade
• Propagating Begonias

Other Sites

• American Begonia Society
• Begonia--Clemson (SC) Cooperative Extension
• Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum--Floridata.com
• Begonias--Begonia Society of the Palm Beaches
• Dragon Wing Bengonia--Georgia Gold Medal Plants
• Growing Begonias--University of Vermont Extension
• Growing Tuberous Begonias in the Home Garden--Iowa State University Extension
• Questions on Begonia--North Dakota State Extension Service