Best Garden on the Web

Begonia


Family: Begoniaceae (Begonia)
Genus: Begonia
Species: N/A
Type: Frost-tender Perennial
Flowering: Summer to Fall
Zones: 9-11
Light: Morning Sun to 50% Shade
Soil: Acidic, Moist
Height: 12-18 inches
Propagation: Division
Colors: White, Red, Pink, Yellow, Bicolored
Origin: Tropics of South America and India

Begonias are a frost-tender perennial that cannot tolerate extreme temperature variations, preferring a cool, moist enviornment. In Iowa, they can be planted in spring and dug up in fall to overwinter indoors. The light and soil requirements of begonias are the most important aspects of proper care for the plant. Begonias thrive best with morning sun and shade at other times along with a soil that is acidic. If you are looking for a beautiful flower that will grow well under specific conditions, begonias are the right plant for your garden.

Please note that the Zones listed above are USDA Hardiness Zones and are only given as a rough indication of whether a plant will grow and thrive in your area. Temperature variations and unusual weather conditions can affect plant survival. To assist plant survival during the winter, you may wish to place mulch over the areas in question or plant the flowers in an area away from walls or cement. Additionally, digging up bulbs and roots to overwinter indoors may be preferrable to keeping them in the ground.