The Colors of Begonias

Begonias are a staple for many home gardeners. With a wide range of colorful blooms and brightly colored leaves, they add color and interest to flower beds. Most varieties grow equally well indoors in pots if given proper light and moisture. Choose from bedding plants, vines and tall, tree-like begonias to enhance your garden and landscape.

Tuberous Begonias

• Tuberous begonias are commonly grown in containers on patios or porches, in hanging baskets or in flower beds. The plants produce single or double blooms in red, yellow, orange, white, salmon or pink. Blooms may have margins or blotches of a contrasting color. These plants prefer shade and warmth, but not extremely hot weather, and are intolerant of frost.

Semperflorens Begonias

• Semperflorens begonias, sometimes called wax or bedding begonias, are probably the most widely used begonia, grown in large groups in flower beds. The plants produce bright green or bronze leaves, with a waxy look, and brilliantly colored blooms in shades of red, pink or white. These begonias are used as annuals in most areas as they do not tolerate freezes.

Cane-like Begonias

• Cane-like begonias are sometimes called angel wing begonias or tree begonias. They can grow to 10 feet in height with long stiff stems that resemble bamboo canes. They are grown mostly for their foliage which is spotted or textured. They produce large cascading white, pink, red or orange blooms. These large plants may be grown inside in pots or outside in the garden. They require bright light to grow well.

Rex Begonias

• Rex begonias are the most difficult begonias to grow because of their need for high humidity. They require a minimum of 50 percent humidity year-round and indirect light. The plants produce showy foliage with streaks of pink, white, purple or yellow. These plants yield tiny insignificant flowers that should be pinched off to keep the foliage looking good.

Hiemalis Begonias

• Hiemalis, or Rieger, begonias are a cross between tuberous and wax begonias. They are grown in baskets, pots or flower beds and produce flowers all season in pink, red, coral, orange, yellow or white. Their leaves are waxy and glossy. The plants prefer filtered sunlight or partial shade.

Trailing Scandent Begonias

• Trailing scandents, as the name implies, trail like vines. They can be grown on the ground or in hanging baskets. The plants produce small leaves and profuse blooms in white or pink. They need good light for the best blooms.