Is begonia coccinea a perennial or annual?
Angel wing begonias (Begonia coccinea), also known as cane begonias, are a type of perennial shrub known for their stiff, sturdy stems and green leaves shaped like folded wings. The angel wing begonia plant grows year-round and is native to South America. If plants do not receive enough light during the winter months, they will often go dormant. Leaves will begin to drop from the plant and as they do, reduce the amount of water given to your begonia. Keep the potting medium barely moist and look for new growth once the days begin to lengthen and temperatures increase.Begonias will benefit from regular feeding throughout the growing season to keep them looking their best. Feeding will promote both healthy root growth and plenty of flowers. Use a liquid feed such as Miracle-Gro Performance Organics Liquid All Purpose Plant Feed or Neudorff Organic Multi Purpose Liquid Plant Food.Begonia coccinea, the scarlet begonia, is a species of plant in the family Begoniaceae. It is native to the Atlantic Forest of Brazil.It’s time to add beautiful flowers and flashy foliage to your home. Begonias are popular outdoor annuals for the garden, but they make elegant indoor plants as well.
What is the lifespan of a begonia plant?
The lifespan of begonias can vary depending on the species and the growing conditions. Generally, begonias grown as annuals will last for one growing season before dying off. However, some perennial begonia species can last for several years with proper care. All begonias like evenly moist, well-draining soil with some added organic matter. For container-grown begonias, use a well-draining potting soil with added organic matter to help retain moisture without becoming soggy.Hardy begonia (Begonia grandis) returns year after year in USDA Hardiness Zones 6-9. Unfortunately, gardeners in Zones 5 and colder don’t have a perennial begonia option that will survive outdoors. Hardy begonia can’t survive the cold winter temperatures in these areas.After planting, begonias should be fertilized monthly using a fertilizer with a higher phosphorous than nitrogen content to promote new blooms but if the plant is only being grown for its foliage, continue using a balanced fertilizer.All begonias can be propagated by rooting stem cuttings, sometimes called tip cuttings. The basic idea is that a plant will clone itself by sprouting roots on a piece of stem that is in a moist growing medium. Many begonias root easily, and one can use the similar technique of rooting them in water.Once begonias begin flowering, they bloom continuously from summer to frost. There are several different types of begonias. Wax begonias and angel-wing begonias are usually grown as outdoor annuals or indoor houseplants. Both grow from a clump of roots and are winter hardy in growing zones 9-11.
Can begonias grow in sun or shade?
PLANTING BEGONIAS Choose a protected site with rich, well-draining soil. Begonia light requirements can vary, from full sun to shade. Provide shelter from hot afternoon sun. Follow these steps and space plants 6 to 18 inches apart, depending on the variety. Begonias prefer to be planted in a moist, semi-shaded area out of the midday sun. Feeding is usually started once the first flower buds have formed and a liquid feed like Miracle Gro, Phostrogen or a small amount of liquid tomato feed can be given regularly, to give good leaf growth and lots of flowers.Begonias grow best in a light well-draining potting mix. Wendy top dresses each pot with a fresh layer. Any good quality light potting mix will work well. We use one from Miracle-Gro, which can be used for both indoor and outdoor container plants.Begonia tubers can also be planted directly outside into borders or containers in May. When planting in containers, multipurpose compost is the ideal choice of growing medium. Plant the tubers shallowly with the dipped side facing upwards – the top of the tuber should be around 1-2cm below the soil surface.You can leave begonias in pots over winter, provided you move the pots into a dark frost-free place before the first frosts. Stop watering over winter. Once new growth starts in spring, move the pots into the light and start watering.
How do I keep my begonia blooming?
Begonias bloom continuously from their first flowering until the first frost. Give them adequate water, some shade, and regular fertilizer to keep them blooming. Deadhead the blooms to encourage more flowers. After planting, begonias should be fertilized monthly using a fertilizer with a higher phosphorous than nitrogen content to promote new blooms but if the plant is only being grown for its foliage, continue using a balanced fertilizer.You can leave begonias in pots over winter, provided you move the pots into a dark frost-free place before the first frosts. Stop watering over winter. Once new growth starts in spring, move the pots into the light and start watering.The best fertilizer for begonias is one that is high in phosphorus, as it promotes flower production and helps the plant to develop a strong root system. A fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 5-10-5 or 10-10-10 is ideal for begonias.Begonias bloom continuously from their first flowering until the first frost. Give them adequate water, some shade, and regular fertilizer to keep them blooming. Deadhead the blooms to encourage more flowers.
How often should I water a begonia?
Watering: How Often Should I Water My Begonias? Generally, every two to four days. Keep your begonias happy with a moist environment but beware of soggy soil! These plants like to stay damp, and not dry out completely, but they hate having their roots sitting in water. As the water evaporates, it will create a zone of humidity around your plant. No begonia has a long life span. Most only live for 2 to 3 years, even with good care. Cane begonias such as angel wings go dormant if the temperature gets too cool.Some Begonias go dormant for the winter and others have no dormant period and continue to grow and flower for the entire winter.Once begonias begin flowering, they bloom continuously from summer to frost. There are several different types of begonias. Wax begonias and angel-wing begonias are usually grown as outdoor annuals or indoor houseplants. Both grow from a clump of roots and are winter hardy in growing zones 9-11.The life cycle begins with seed germination or propagation from cuttings. Young plants grow rapidly, developing their characteristic foliage. As they mature, they produce flowers, which can last for several weeks to months depending on the variety. Some types, like tuberous begonias, have a dormancy period in winter.