General Information: The perfect green-leafed partner to Harmony, Prelude delivers the same outstanding garden performance. A few websites say Wax Begonias are cancer-causing but I cannot find any research to support that assertion. They produce flowers all year round. Begonia can grow from 8 inches to 2 feet in height, depending on the species. They produce flowers all year round. Just like many other types of flowers, begonia sends specific message when it is offered as a gift. Few Pests And Diseases. It is a compact, bushy, mounded, fibrous-rooted plant that features fleshy stems, waxy dark green to bronze leaves and loose clusters (cymes) of single or double flowers in shades of white, pink or red plus bicolor versions thereof. Seed starts to germinate 2 or 3 weeks after planting. Wax begonia can easily be identified by their very glossy; oval or ovate to broad oval green, bronze or dark red leaves with many flowers. Wax Begonia Plant Fact Sheet. In fact, I found just the opposite with a related species. They have citrus-like taste. The first begonia was introduced into England in 1777. Semperflorens Cultorum Group, often called wax begonia, is an extremely popular garden annual. All four bright Prelude colors are well-timed with their bronze-leafed partners, delivering the same outstanding outdoor performance all season long. Scientific Name: Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum Common Name: Wax Begonia Hardiness Degree: 32°F (0.0°C) Blooming Season: Late Spring, Summer Plant Habit: Mounded Characteristics: Colorful/Attractive Foliage, Heat Tolerant, Shade Tolerant Information & Facts on Begonias Tuberous Begonias. Having said afternoon sun should be avoided, in regions with cooler summers, some heat-resistant hybrids of Wax Begonia are quite tolerant to the sun, even if it is a full afternoon sun. Scientific Name: Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum Common Name: Wax Begonia Hardiness Degree: 32°F (0.0°C) Blooming Season: Late Spring, Summer Plant Habit: Mounded Characteristics: Colorful/Attractive Foliage, Heat Tolerant, Shade Tolerant Some varieties of begonia have variegated leaves or leaves covered with various patterns. Tuberous begonias produce beautiful flowers, but they undergo period of dormancy during the winter when their foliage and flowers wilt and die. The most popular types of begonia have red, white, pink, yellow, orange and scarlet-colored flowers. There are also varieties with double flowers that resemble fat little rosebuds and others with variegate… Petals can be ruffled, smooth or delicate. It is anti-bacterial. Wax begonias are outdoor bedding plants that have smooth leaves and an abundance of flowers, hence the scientific name semperflorens, which means always flowering. Semperflorens begonias, also known as wax begonias, are often cultivated as bedding plants. Cultivation of these plants doesn't require too much effort, which additionally increases their popularity among gardeners. They can be green, bronze, pink or grey colored. Elements in the Begonia have been proven to have anti-tumor activity and it is commonly used in the West Indies by herbalists to treat cancer. In fact, a Wax Begonia’s flowers are considered tasty in salads and other foods. Scientific Name: Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum, Characteristics: Colorful/Attractive Foliage, Heat Tolerant, Shade Tolerant. The genus Symbegonia is now included in Begonia. Here’s the perfect green-leafed partner to the Harmony series. One ounce of begonia seed is enough for the production of 3 million seedlings. Begonia has succulent stem, designed for storing water which is used during the dry periods of the year. Facts About Begonias. Flowers are often showy and available in various colors. The deeper-colored or bronze-leaved varieties offer especially eye-catching contrast with flowers. This plant has been popular since the Victorian age, and it is still popular in gardens and homes today.Depending on the species, this plant can grow anywhere from six inches tall up to … Fun Flower Facts about the Begonia: the flower is related to pumpkins, squash, gourds, cucumbers and melons; tuberous and wax begonias are edible and have a citrusy taste; the name Begonia honours Michel Begon, a former governor and amateur botanist; the Kimjongilia cultivar is the floral emblem of North Korea Begonia is often cultivated because of its dense, ornamental foliage. Like the rex begonia, many colorful varieties of the wax begonia have been developed. Tuberous and semperflorens begonias are edible. Available as Ball Premier Line® seed. Depending on the variety, begonia can produce single and double blooms. There are around 1500 species of begonia that are native to South and Central America, Africa and South Asia. It is closely related to melons, cucumbers and pumpkins. Semperflorens begonias, also known as wax begonias, are often cultivated as bedding plants. Begonia is monoecious plant, which means that one plant develops individual male and female flowers. Begonia produces dry fruit known as winged capsule. In fact they will benefit from being exposed to the mild morning sun for a while. Tuberous begonias (Begonia x tuberhybrida) have large, showy flowers in shades of white, yellow,... Rex and Angel Wings. Begonia produces one of the smallest types of seeds in the world. © 2020 Ball Horticultural Company. Besides in decorative purposes, begonias were used for polishing of swords in the past. "Angel wing begonia" is a type of begonia which produces leaves shaped like angel's wings. Importance of Wax Begonia. Wax begonias are outdoor bedding plants that have smooth leaves and an abundance of flowers, hence the scientific name semperflorens, which means always flowering. Description: Uniformity is the trademark of most wax begonias: tight mounds of closely packed leaves covered with blossoms. Begonia can be propagated via seed, leaf- and stem-cuttings or via tuberous root. The very uniform, free-flowering plants are tolerant of rain and heat. The thick leaves make it somewhat resistant to pests, but they aren’t immune. The importance of plants lies in their great contribution to human life and the environment. Large quantities of begonia can induce poisoning due to high content of oxalic acid in the plant tissues. People cultivate begonias because of their beautiful flowers and decorative leaves. It develops large, asymmetric leaves. Very free-flowering and tolerant of rain and heat. The wax begonia is a plant that thrives in growing zones 10 and 11 as perennials, but they can also grow in other zones within the country as annuals. Begonia means "be cautious" in the "floral dictionary". Begonia grows in tropical and subtropical climate. All rights reserved. Begonia is a type of flowering plant that belongs to the family Begoniaceae. Begonia's are a very diverse group of plants, many of them are grown primarily for foliage, others for the showy bloom. Begonia can grow as an annual plant (plant that complete its life cycles in one year) or as a perennial plant (plant that can survive more than 2 years in the wild). Very many species have been introduced, and there are numberless hybrids and variations. The popular wax begonia, Begonia semperflorens, is a fibrous rooted begonia. Check Live Availability & Order Online Now. Wax Begonias (Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum): Few other annuals can beat the wax begonias for hardiness and continuous flowering throughout the summer. All species of begonia are divided in three major groups: tuberous, semperflorens, and the uncommon perennials. The flowers originate in small axillary clusters and are rose-red to white. Rex begonias (Begonia rex-cultorum) are evergreen perennials, hardy in USDA zones 10 through 11. Large quantities of begonia can induce poisoning … Wax begonias with bronze foliage do better in the sun than green varieties. These begonias are not restricted to partial shade; they can be grown in full sun as well. Tuberous and semperflorens begonias are edible. It splits lengthwise to release large number of miniature seed. Like the rex begonia, many colorful varieties of the wax begonia have been developed. They have citrus-like taste. A Ball Seed Exclusive selection. Wax Begonias… It grows best in areas with diffuse light (partial shade), on well-drained, fertile soil. The popular wax begonia, Begonia semperflorens, is a fibrous rooted begonia. The importance of Wax Begonia is high as its benefits are more and so are Wax Begonia Facts.Every gardener must look for the required information on this plant before planting it. Miniature seed resemble dust. Wax Begonia care is thankfully relatively untroubled by pests. The hot afternoon sun should be avoided though; it's out of the question. They also flourish in containers and flower pots, so they make a terrific indoor plant as well. All four flower colors are available with your choice of leaf color: chocolaty-red or shades of green. Afternoon sun should be avoided though ; it 's out of the.. Perennials, hardy in USDA zones 10 through 11 develops individual male and female.., but they undergo period of dormancy during the dry periods of the wax begonia have leaves. 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