Not Your Mom’s Begonias
Amplify shady patios and gardens this spring with the exotic colored blooms and lush glossy foliage of begonias. While the common wax begonias (Begonia semperflorens) can certainly jazz up flowerbeds, newer and more unusual cultivars like ‘Bonfire’, Rex begonias, and solenias are fast becoming favorites for warm season planters and baskets. Their rich eye-catching blossoms and remarkable leaf variations and textures create a sultry feeling of the tropics. Turn your backyard into a tantalizing escape to the jungle with alluring varieties like ‘Sherbet Bon Bon’, ‘Bonfire Chocolate Red’, ‘Gryphon’, ‘Fireworks’, solenia begonias, and the treasured heirloom ‘Pink Flamingo’.
Begonias, as rule, prefer warm temperatures and high humidity—a plus for Louisiana gardeners, since balmy springs often follow placid winters. Although common begonias and cane types like ‘Pink Flamingo’ perform well in the landscape, most others better flourish as container plants. Their sensitivity to extreme light and temperatures beckon for added effort and care, and the mobility of planters and baskets allows you greater ease with protection, should you wish to grow exotic varieties year round. Excessive sunlight proves detrimental, so make sure these begonias get only a few hours of direct morning sun or steady filtered light. Water and soil also play critical roles for begonias; plant these glamorous beauties in a light potting soil to keep their roots from staying too wet. Begonias are drought tolerant, so let the soil dry out between watering, and remember to drain saucers to prevent unwanted wet feet or rotting.
‘Sherbet Bon Bon’, an exhilarating new cultivar, promises compact sprawling habits, unlike any other begonia. Its glossy emerald foliage hangs magnificently toward the ground, making it perfect for hanging baskets or large clay planters. Profusions of opulent pinkish yellow blossoms lavishly cloak the leaves from March through September, with the biggest production showing in spring. Four creamy yellow petals, delicately flushed with pink, suspend beautifully from bright scarlet stems, as they unfurl to offer tightly ruffled centers. ‘Sherbet Bon Bon’ averages 10 to 12 inches tall, and spreads up to two feet across. Plant this outstanding variety singly in baskets, window troughs, and patio planters for exceptional color all spring. Heighten your display with nearby plantings of golden yellow osteospermum, ‘Dragon Wing Pink’ begonias, and ‘Kong’ coleus.
‘Bonfire Chocolate Red’, another captivating new variety, features delectable mocha colored foliage and reddish orange blooms. Its plum-infused leaves are serrated along the edges, highlighting prominent ruby margins—a stylish, but subtle echo to the fiery red blooms. From early spring through fall, blistering crimson orange bells luxuriantly blaze across the rambling chocolate limbs, creating a bonfire effect with its rich, radiant blossoms. Similar to ‘Sherbet Bon Bon’, ‘Bonfire Chocolate Red’ is also sprawling in habit, making it excellent for hanging baskets and planters. Although it performs best when planted singly, ‘Bonfire Chocolate Red’ looks exquisite when neighboring ‘Shadow Dancer’ fuchsia baskets, New Guinea impatiens, and ‘Boston Sword’ ferns.
For a smaller begonia that still packs big punch, consider planting ‘Gryphon’, a hybrid foliage favorite with exceptional vigor and color. Its sleek silvery palms underline greenish black veins, each stunning seam emanating from crimson cores. ‘Gryphon’ exhibits a mounded, upright form, reaching 15 inches in height. Grown more for its foliage than blossoms, ‘Gryphon’ proves a phenomenal companion for ‘New Guinea’ impatiens, ‘Kong’ coleus, and ‘Sherbet Bon Bon’ begonias. Integrate ‘Gryphon’ begonias in shaded flowerbeds as well, planting them among ‘Red Frill’ caladiums, ‘Autumn’ ferns, ‘Dwarf Cardamom’ gingers, and ‘Pink Flamingo’ angel wing begonias. Include also indigo, ‘Chocolate Chip’ ajuga, and Stromanthe sanguinea.
Liven up your begonia plantings with ‘Fireworks’ Rex begonias. No doubt royalty among the begonias, ‘Fireworks’ shows off oversized wing-shaped leaves that emerge from corpulent crimson stems. Its iridescent silver wings provide majestic backdrops to royal plum veins. Rich carmine pink blossoms add to the show as they beautifully resonate against the metallic purple leaves and downy red stems—an explosive combination for any shade garden or patio. ‘Fireworks’ averages 10 to 12 inches tall, and proves a sensational companion to other Rex varieties like ‘River Nile’ and ‘Escargot’. Consider also integrating ‘Fireworks’ in mixed planters with ‘Autumn’ or ‘Japanese Painted’ ferns, ‘Crème Brule’ heuchera, and ‘Goldilocks’ lysimachia. Like any Rex begonia, ‘Fireworks’ can be overwintered indoors—simply place it in a well-lit bathroom or over the kitchen sink, where it can find the warmth and humidity it craves year round.
Solenia begonias, more compact than foliage and Rex varieties, are mounded in habit, reaching only 12 inches tall. A cross between the winter flowering Begonia socotrana and the summer flowering tuberous types, solenias have the ability to bloom throughout the year. Their smooth rounded leaves are olive green, tinged with bronze—a gorgeous complement to their distinguished double blossoms. Available in 10 scintillating hues, solenia begonias vary from creamy yellow and apricot, to dusty rose, orange and velvet red, each resembling a miniature rose blossom as it opens. Plant solenias in hanging baskets or in mixed containers, combining these ruffled beauties with ‘Mona Lavender’ plectranthus, ‘Snowtopia’ bacopa, and ‘Sun Blaze’ bracteantha. Like Rex begonias, solenias can be overwintered if taken indoors at autumn’s arrival.
Enjoy extraordinary begonias in your landscape as well, with angel wing heirlooms like ‘Pink Flamingo’. This old-fashioned cane begonia sports gigantic leaves, spreading almost 12 inches across, and thick ruby flower stems (or canes) that soar proudly above their four-foot tall shrubs. Clusters of creamy strawberry pink blossoms gracefully swoop atop their stalks, resembling the arch of a flamingo’s neck, from spring through fall. Integrate ‘Pink Flamingo’ in woodland settings or enclosed patio beds, mixing them with ‘Autumn’ or ‘Japanese Painted’ ferns, indigo, ‘Francee’ hostas, and ajuga. Add extra height with ‘Gold Dust’ aucuba, Mahonia bealei, and camellia japonicas. ✦
