Begonia is a genus of perennial flowering plants in the family Begoniaceae.
The species are terrestrial (sometimes epiphytic) herbs or undershrubs, and occur in subtropical and tropical moist climates, in South and Central America, Africa, and southern Asia.
Terrestrial species in the wild are commonly upright-stemmed, rhizomatous, or tuberous.
The plants are monoecious, with unisexual male and female flowers occurring separately on the same plant; the male contains numerous stamens, and the female has a large inferior ovary and two to four branched or twisted stigmas.
In most species, the fruit is a winged capsule containing numerous minute seeds, although baccate fruits are also known.
Most are forest understory plants and require bright shade; few will tolerate full sun, especially in warmer climates.
In general, begonias require a well-drained growing medium that is neither constantly wet nor allowed to dry out completely.
Many begonias will grow and flower year-round except for tuberous begonias, which usually have a dormant period. During this dormant period, the tubers can be stored in a cool, dry place.
Begonias of the semperflorens group (or wax begonias) are frequently grown as bedding plants outdoors.
A recent group of hybrids derived from this group is marketed as “Dragonwing” begonias; they are much larger both in leaf and in flower.
Tuberous begonias are frequently used as container plants. Although most Begonia species are tropical or subtropical in origin, the Chinese species B. grandis is hardy to USDA hardiness zone 6 and is commonly known as the “hardy begonia”.
There are different types of begonias: tuberous begonias (the ones with large flowers), semperflorens begonias (the wax type), rex begonias, rhizomatus begonias (interesting leaves and flowers).
There are three types of Begonias: Tuberous, Semperflorens, and the uncommon Perennials.
The Semperflorens are by far the most common. They include Fibrous Begonias, Wax Begonias and ever blooming Begonias.
Depending upon type, you can find red, white, pink, or yellow varieties. All flowers have a bright yellow eye (center).
