did you know?

The genus includes about 900 species, ranging in habit from fleshy, herbaceous plants to shrubs and climbers. These widely collected plants grow naturally throughout the tropics and subtropics, especially in South and Central America. Begonias are named for Michel Begon, former governor of French Canada and an advocate of plant science.

general maintenance:

Deadhead spent blooms, and remove any damaged leaves. Where not hardy, dig dormant tubers in fall after foliage dies back, and store in boxes of sand or peat in a cool (40°F?50°F) location or overwinter plants indoors.

pests/diseases:

Begonias are relatively carefree but may be infected by gray mold

controls:

To discourage gray mold, remove spent blooms regularly.

how to sow/plant:

Start indoors 6 weeks before last frost, or choose a shady location and plant outdoors in early spring after soil has warmed. Set tubers hollow side up 2?3 inches apart in a container 3/4 full of potting soil, and barely cover with soil. Keep soil moist until growth begins. Tuberous begonias prefer a small pot with a limited root zone.

water and fertilize:

Monitor soil moisture all season, and do not overwater; allow soil to become nearly dry between watering. Apply a diluted, balanced, water-soluble fertilizer weekly, following label directions.

garden hint:

To increase your tuberous begonias, select tubers with multiple buds, and cut each budded section with a sharp knife. Dust cut ends with charcoal, and lightly cover with soil. Treat each new section as you would an entire tuber.

features:

• Attractive Flowers
• Attractive Foliage
• Shade Tolerant

garden uses:

• Containers
• Flowerbed borders
• Indoors
• Shade Woodland Garden

other uses:

combine with:

creeping Jenny ( 'Aurea'), English ivy ( 'Gold Child'), or golden dead nettle ( 'Beedham's White').