The versatile, colorful, historic and mysterious begonias

A veil of a mystery surrounds one of the most popular and diverse ornamental plants — begonias. Experts have been unable to pinpoint exactly where they originated, according to the National Garden Bureau, even though begonias are frequently found growing wild from South and Central America to India. Historical records of plants matching their description date back to 14th century China.

For many gardens, begonias are dependable bloomers soldiering through heat and humidity with color and contrast. Varied leaf forms and bloom colors along with many varieties make begonias a choice for all situations — sun, shade and container gardening, and as houseplants as well. These Victorian favorites are enjoying renewed interest and use. 

Begonias represent the fifth most diverse class of plants (family Begoniaceae) and include more than 1,700 different species. Begonias officially got their name in 1690 when a French botanist, Charles Plumier, named them after a fellow French botanist, Michel Bégon.

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Production

Seed production of begonias can be challenging, and consequently many types of begonias are produced from cuttings. Begonia seed is barely larger than dust particles. In 1873, Benary, a developer and breeder, introduced Magnifica, the first tuberous begonia from seed but it did not branch well so they were not easy to produce, NGB reports. 

Then, in 1909, Benary introduced the world’s first heterosis (F1-hybrid) ornamental begonia, Begonia semperflorens Prima Donna bred by Gustav Besoke. A F1-hybrid is the selective breeding of a plant by cross pollinating two different parent plants. The introduction of F1 hybrid begonias revolutionized the horticulture industry by allowing growers to produce begonias reliably on a commercial scale. Due to the seed size and environmental requirements for germination, today’s begonias are usually grown by a professional grower in a greenhouse and sold as a small plant. Ounce for ounce, begonia seeds are more expensive than gold, so special care must be taken with every seed.

Types and classes

Since the development of the F1 hybrid begonias, many types of begonias have been commercially produced. Here are the major classes that you will see in North American garden retailers:

• Begonia semperflorens-cultorum or “wax begonias” are the most common. Plants are small (8-12 inches) mounds with rounded leaves and blooms. Flowers range from white to scarlet red.
• Begonia tuberosa (tuberous begonias) typically have large flowers in a broad color range. Flowers can be huge and double. Since the plants are monoecious, there are always both single (male) and double (female) flowers on the same plant. The leaves are usually asymmetrical, hairy or fuzzy and have a serrated edge.   
• Begonia boliviensis is more heat tolerant than other types. The plant branches cascade down in hanging baskets or window boxes. The leaves are similar in shape to tuberous begonias but are narrower and smooth. The flower has long, strap-like petals forming a soft trumpet.
• Begonia hiemalis, also called elatior or Reiger begonia, typically have small to medium double flowers in a wide range of colors. These are often sold around the holidays.
• Begonia masoniana has bold color patterns on leaves that are textured with puckers and appear coarse.
• Begonia rhizomatous has thick, fleshy stems with large, colorful leaves. The leaves can be round or heavily lobed like a grape leaf. Some have small white flowers in the spring, and a few varieties bloom all summer. 
• Begonia rex are grown for their beautiful leaves, which are quite hairy or fuzzy and usually covered with multicolored, intricate swirled designs.
• Begonia hybrida is used by plant breeders to show that a variety is a cross between two different classes.

Growing requirements

One of my gardening pals is a big fan of begonias. She has amassed an impressive collection by frequenting yard sales where she has unearthed some old-fashioned favorites. Many of the plants she has discovered are not available for sale in garden centers today. Her advice for growing them outdoors, or in, is to go easy on the water. Begonias’ thick, stems and leaves are susceptible to rot when given too much moisture. Better to err on the dry side when it comes to begonias. 

A rich growing medium and proper sun exposure for the variety are two more ingredients for success with begonias. If you would like more information, here are several university sources for tips on growing begonias:

Clemson: clemson.edu/extension/hgic/plants/indoor/flowering/hgic1552.html

Cornell: gardening.cornell.edu/homegardening/scenea018.html

University of Vermont: pss.uvm.edu/ppp/articles/begonias.html

No matter which type of begonia you choose, depend upon these versatile plants to deliver beauty and interest to gardens or for indoor growing.

Lynette L. Walther is the GardenComm Gold medal winner for writing, a five-time recipient of the GardenComm Silver Medal of Achievement, the National Garden Bureau’s Exemplary Journalism Award and she is the author of “Florida Gardening on the Go.” She is a member of GardenComm, the professional organization for garden writers. Her gardens are on the banks of the St. Johns River.