Begonia

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. Begonias can be divided or classified into a number of groups and culturally their requirements depend on which group they fall into. Such groups include (but not limited to) cane-like, tuberous, rhizomatous, semperflorens, rex and thick-stemmed. Different groups are grown for different reasons, some have mainly foliage interest whereas others are grown for flowers. Whilst some are limited to just houseplants, others can be grown outside in borders as bedding plants, containers and even hanging baskets, and can be either winter or summer flowering. Most require warmer temperatures to thrive, and naturally grow in tropical forests so do well in bright shade. Few will tolerate full sun. They prefer a moist well drained soil that is not too wet or allowed to dry out completely. Some - such as tuberous begonias - may have a dormant period whereas others will grow all year round. Most begonias are also easy to propagate via division, stem cuttings and even leaf cuttings. All begonias are frost tender, and all prefer slightly acidic soil although many tolerate a neutral PH. Most are small growing plants around 30cm tall, however some can grow much taller.

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  Partial shade

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  Occasional watering

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  Not Frost hardy

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  Moist and free draining