A brand new Texas Superstar since 2015 is sure to gain in popularity. The versatility of this plant is its attraction. While many of you have heard of growing begonias as houseplants or shade plants, such as the Rex begonias, this one is perfect for any landscape.
Instead of having fancy, variegated leaves like the Rex begonia, the attraction of this begonia is its very large bloom, thus called Begonia 'Whopper.' Think huge compared to those tiny little flowers and leaves on the regular wax begonias, which are used as bedding plants.
While the other begonias are certainly beautiful and unique, the 'Whopper' begonia is sun-tolerant and successful enough to be awarded Texas Superstar status for the ability to be used anywhere in the landscapes all over Texas.
Color
Flower Color
Do you want flowers with a special splash of scarlet red or a more subtle splash of rosie red? These two colors of 'Whopper' begonias have been awarded Superstar status. And the size of the blooms are really "whopper" size.
Leaf color
Another variety in the color is the tint of the shiny foliage. Your choices of foliage color are bronze or bright green. The shadier the area the more bronze the leaves will be. If you get the green leaf variety, the green is even brighter in the sun.
Shade or sun
Shade
Are you desiring something colorful in a shady area? Although the leaves of these begonias are not as large as the angel wing or devil wing begonia, these plants are nice and big, 24-30 inches tall with a 12-16 inch spread in shadier areas - and they are more bronze in a shadier area.
Sun
Out in full sun, this begonia tends to stay a smaller mound and more compact. They won't do as well in full sun in extreme heat and low relative humidity, according to Brent Pemberton, AgriLife Research Ornamental Horticulturist, unless they are established prior to mid-summer.
Versatile uses of the 'Whopper'
Border plant
The 'Whopper' can be planted as a 2-foot wide border along a walkway. It's a nice plant to plant in mass to border a sign as it won't grow so large that the sign is hidden.
Ground cover
Out in full sun when planted in mass, it can make a lower mounding ground cover to fill in under a large water fountain feature. It can also be used to fill in under a large shade tree.
Accent plant
It can also be used to brighten up a row of perennials when not in bloom. They can be planted in front of or in between plants for some excellent color for curb appeal to catch the driver's eye hurrying by.
Soil type
Begonias prefer rich, loamy type soil. This is where they will not be very versatile. They need soil that will stay moist and not dry out too much. When watering, do not water during direct full sunlight. Water earlier in the morning or later in evening.
Fertilizer
Regular fertilizing is a must to keep these super-sized 'Whopper' begonias putting on a spectacular show from early spring through late fall.
Propagation
Remember that this is an annual plant and will need to be replanted each year in early spring.
That should not keep you from taking cuttings from it during the growing season and starting more plants for yourself or friends.
The easiest method to propagate the begonia is by taking a stem cutting at the end of tip. Make this tip cutting about 3-4 inches and place it in potting mix in a 4-inch pot.
If you want to try it out at a different place the next year, the plant should be readily available since the Texas Superstar program is designed to provide mass marketing and availability. You can also start some cuttings and overwinter them inside.
Shows superstar qualities
Keep in mind that Texas Superstar selections perform well all over the state of Texas and are awarded superstar status with the idea that when you choose superstar plants you are being a good steward of the environment.
When you plant a plant that is larger and vigorous like the 'Whopper,' you get more ground covered in your landscape and don't need to weed and water as much, as the plant covers and hugs the ground.
Plan now for a place in your landscape for this superstar 'Whopper' begonia with its very versatile features. And when cool season arrives, be versatile and plant some beautiful pansies or snapdragons in their place for the winter. Or select some of the cool season annual euphorbias such as "Rudolph," which has dark green foliage with red accents.
The Gardeners' Dirt is written by members of the Victoria County Master Gardener Association, an educational outreach of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension - Victoria County. Mail your questions in care of the Advocate, P.O. Box 1518, Victoria, TX 77901; or vcmga@vicad.com.
