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Wax Begonia Whopper Series in the GardenTags plant encyclopedia

Begonia (Semperflorens Cultorum Group) 'Whopper Series' syn. Begonia semperflorens 'Whopper Series'

 

Wax Begonia 'Whopper Series'

Begonias are a complex group of perennial plants which can take a number of forms. They are in the family Begoniaceae which has many different species. Most are native to moist subtropical and tropical environments, and as such many of those are grown indoors as houseplants where temperatures are cooler. A number are also grown outdoors in cooler climates but although they are perennials they are treated horticulturally as annuals as they usually cannot withstand colder winters. They prefer a moist well drained soil that is not too wet or allowed to dry out completely. Begonia (Semperflorens Cultorum Group), or Begonia semperflorens as it was previously known as, is the Wax Begonia, or Fibrous-rooted begonias. It is a a group of hybrids that all originated historically from Begonia semperflorens, and its parent is native to Boliva through to Brazil and northern Argentina. It is a useful plant for outdoor bedding schemes as it can tolerate more sunnier positions than other begonias and compared to other bedding plants it does better in shadier conditions such as under trees. The leaves are rounded, waxy, often with attractive colouring and can be either green or dark red, and in Summer to Autumn it produces sprays of small single or double flowers approx 1-2.5cm across and comes in a variety of colours which are usually whites, reds, and pinks. They are frost tender and so whilst they are technically a perennial, in colder climates they are often grown horticulturally as annuals and discarded at the end of the growing season. In warmer climates without cold they will last longer than a year. Many different. They can be grown from seed, but this method is not the easiest method of propagation. 'Whopper Series' is a larger king sized semperfloren hybrid with larger leaves and larger flowers. It is available in both green and bronze leafed colours, and with either rose or red flowers.

 
plant Features
  • Wax Begonia Whopper Series likes full sun to partial shade

    Full sun to partial shade

  • Wax Begonia Whopper Series likes occasional watering

    Occasional watering

  • Wax Begonia Whopper Series is not frost hardy

    Not Frost hardy

  • Wax Begonia Whopper Series likes moist and free draining

    Moist and free draining

 
plant information

Common name

Wax Begonia 'Whopper Series'

Latin name

Begonia (Semperflorens Cultorum Group) 'Whopper Series' syn. Begonia semperflorens 'Whopper Series'

type

Half hardy perennial

family

Begoniaceae

ph

5.5 - 7.5 Acid - Neutral

  • Light

    Wax Begonia Whopper Series likes full sun to partial shade

    Full sun to partial shade

  • Frost

    Wax Begonia Whopper Series is not frost hardy

    Not Frost hardy

  • Soil

    Wax Begonia Whopper Series likes moist and free draining

    Moist and free draining

  • Water

    Wax Begonia Whopper Series likes occasional watering

    Occasional watering

Plant & bloom calendar

  •  
    Best time to plant
  •  
    When the plant will bloom

full grown dimensions

The size of a fully grown Wax Begonia Whopper Series is 0.40meters x 0.75meters 0.40 M 0.75 M

Begonia (Semperflorens Cultorum Group) 'Whopper Series' syn. Begonia semperflorens 'Whopper Series'

Begonias are a complex group of perennial plants which can take a number of forms. They are in the family Begoniaceae which has many different species. Most are native to moist subtropical and tropical environments, and as such many of those are grown indoors as houseplants where temperatures are cooler. A number are also grown outdoors in cooler climates but although they are perennials they are treated horticulturally as annuals as they usually cannot withstand colder winters. They prefer a moist well drained soil that is not too wet or allowed to dry out completely. Begonia (Semperflorens Cultorum Group), or Begonia semperflorens as it was previously known as, is the Wax Begonia, or Fibrous-rooted begonias. It is a a group of hybrids that all originated historically from Begonia semperflorens, and its parent is native to Boliva through to Brazil and northern Argentina. It is a useful plant for outdoor bedding schemes as it can tolerate more sunnier positions than other begonias and compared to other bedding plants it does better in shadier conditions such as under trees. The leaves are rounded, waxy, often with attractive colouring and can be either green or dark red, and in Summer to Autumn it produces sprays of small single or double flowers approx 1-2.5cm across and comes in a variety of colours which are usually whites, reds, and pinks. They are frost tender and so whilst they are technically a perennial, in colder climates they are often grown horticulturally as annuals and discarded at the end of the growing season. In warmer climates without cold they will last longer than a year. Many different. They can be grown from seed, but this method is not the easiest method of propagation. 'Whopper Series' is a larger king sized semperfloren hybrid with larger leaves and larger flowers. It is available in both green and bronze leafed colours, and with either rose or red flowers.


Planting (Early Summer)

From Late Spring TO Early Summer

Begonia (Semperflorens Cultorum Group) prefers a moist, but well draining soil and will tolerate most soil pHs but will do better on slightly acidic soil. They prefer a bright shady spot, and will thrive if given shade at the most hottest part of the day, but unlike other begonias this group of also does well in full shade providing the soil is kept moist. Plants should be planted out into their final positions either in a bedding scheme or border, or even in a container, when the risk of all frosts has passed, so this timing will depend on exactly where you live in the world. For the UK, this could be as late as end of May or early June. In warmer climates, this is likely to be much earlier in the growing season. You can pinch out tips of growing plants to encourage more bushy plants, but remember this will delay the production of flowers. You can also remove early flower beds to allow plants to establish themselves better. After planting out, water in well trying to ensure you keep water off or away from the foliage where this is practical.

 

Propagation by Seed

From Mid Winter TO Late Winter

Begonia (Semporflorens Cultorum Group) can be grown by seed, however it is not the easiest to grow. It will also produce variable plants which may not resemble the parent plants from which seed was collected. In mid to late winter, prepare a seed tray using a suitable soilless medium such as seed compost or similar. Lightly firm and level the surface. Water the tray from below using another larger tray or sink (do not water from above) until the surface of the compost is apparently moist. As the seed itself from begonias is very tiny, you can mix the seeds with some silver sand to help the distribution. Sow seed evenly over the surface, and do not cover with compost. Begonia (Semperflorens Cultorum Group) requires light to germinate and will not germinate if they are covered. Maintain high humidity, keep the propagator lid on and where necessary mist with a fine water spray. Germination usually takes between 10-14 days and as they do so give them more light and progressively remove the propagator lid to allow more air into the area. Seedlings can be pricked out after about 6 weeks when they have their first set of true leaves into a larger tray, giving each seedling more room to grow. After 3-4 weeks here, seedlings can be potted on again into individual plugs or small pots to grow on, where growing tips can be pinched out to encourage bushy plants. By the time they have filled the plugs/pots, they will now be ready to harden off for a couple of weeks before planting out into their final positions.

 

Propagation by Cuttings

From Mid Spring TO Late Spring

Begonia (Semperflorens Cultorum Group) plants are generally grown as horticultural annuals and discarded at the end of the growing season. However, technically they are perennials and it is possible to lift and keep the plants going in a low heated (and frost free) environment over winter. Generally, rather than plant the same plant out again the following season, overwintered plants can be used as cutting material for new plants to keep them looking their best. In early to mid spring, take stem cuttings around 7.5-10cm long (removing the lower leaves) and insert them into a light sandy rooting compost that is not too heavy. Water lightly and provide some bottom heat using a heat mat or similar, maintaining a temperature of between 18-21C (64-70F). Do not let them dry out, and cuttings should root quickly. Plants should be potted on first to grow further a little before being hardened off and planted outside in their final growing positions. Only plant outside once the risk of frosts have passed.

 

Flowering Season

From Early Summer TO Late Autumn

Begonia (Semperflorens Cultorum Group) flowers from early summer right through to the first frosts. These plants are frost tender and will not survive colder climates over winter.

 
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