Melinda Myers

Wax Begonia

Botanical Name

Begonia semperflorens-cultorum

Hardiness

Tender Annual

Height

6 to 12 inches

Width

6 to 12 inches

Flowers

Summer till frost: white, pink, red

Light

Shade to full sun

Soil

Moist, especially in sun

Planting & Care

• Space 6 to 8 inches apart for smaller plants and 8 to 12 inches apart for large plants
• Wax begonia can be overwintered indoors. Take 3 to 4" cuttings and root in moist vermiculite or a well-drained potting mix. I find setting the pot in a plastic bag left open increases the humidity to encourage rooting without leading to rot. Once rooted, they can be moved to their permanent container, placed in a sunny location and grow as a houseplant.
• You can also bring the whole plant indoors and raise it like a houseplant. Grow in a bright, sunny window or under artificial lights and keep the soil moist. Don't be alarmed if the plant drops most of its leaves. It will soon send out new leaves more suited for its indoor location.

Problems

Botrytis blight, powdery mildew

Varieties

• Cocktail Series - bronze foliage, sun resistant
• Olympia Series - mound former, mid green leaves, 8-18"
• Dragon Wing - angel wing type, 10-12"