{"title":"Begonia","description":"\u003cp\u003eMost Begonia species prefer a lightly shaded environment and a well-drained, consistently moist soil. Established begonia plants are also fairly drought tolerant. Our Begonia selections produce charming flowers in shades of white, pink, or red and provide interesting foliage in a variety of shapes. Once they start blooming in early summer, Begonia plants continue producing until fall and the flowers are followed by curious, dangling, winged seed pods that are \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ornamental-seed-or-fruit\"\u003ealso quite ornamental\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Grow and Care for Begonia\u003c\/h2\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eWhere to Plant Hardy Begonia\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eHere at Plant Delights, we have trialed several winter-hardy Begonia and have released the best selections to the public. Some of our hardy Begonia such as \u003ca title=\"Begonia grandis ‘Alba’\" href=\"\/products\/begonia-grandis-alba\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eBegonia grandis ‘Alba’\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca title=\"Begonia grandis ‘Pink Teardrops’\" href=\"\/products\/begonia-grandis-pink-teardrops\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eBegonia grandis ‘Pink Teardrops’\u003c\/a\u003e, are winter hardy as far north as zone 5a. Hardy begonia are a great addition to a \u003ca title=\"butterfly garden\" href=\"\/collections\/butterfly-garden-plants-flowers-that-attract-butterflies\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ebutterfly garden\u003c\/a\u003e or to use along trails, borders, or in mass plantings. Provide each plant with 1-3 ft. (30-90 cm.) of space when planting. Many Begonias, not including Begonia grandis, also make terrific house plants and thrive in containers and terrariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eWater and Soil Requirements\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhether growing in containers or in the garden, Begonias love well-drained soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eWinter Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eSome species of Begonia are hardier than others. Begonia grandis is considered winter hardy to zone 5a.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eDormancy\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eSome Begonia are winter dormant, while most others would remain evergreen if the temperatures allow. If growing outside, an extra layer of mulch in the late fall will help with winter-hardiness. Well drained soils during the winter are critical.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eBloom Times\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eHardy Begonia (Begonia grandis) tend to have a long bloom season typically from July to October depending on local climate.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003ePropagation\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eBegonia grandis will self-propagate through tiny bulblets that form in the leaf axils in the fall and drop to the ground. They may also self-seed, but will not come true to the parent.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eSun Requirements\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eBegonias prefer light shade for most of the day, but a few hours of direct morning sunlight can really increase the volume of blooms. If planting indoors in a container or terrarium, avoid placing in direct sunlight.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eFertilizing\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eBegonias should be fertilized only when they are actively growing, with a natural, organic fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing seedlings or new cuttings. Once your Begonias have bloomed and start to go dormant (typically fall for outdoor plants), you should cease fertilizing and let the plants rest until the next grow season. Begonias do not grow or use fertilizer when the temperature is below 60 degrees F.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003ePests and Diseases\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eMites, mealy bugs, scale, whiteflies, nematodes, slugs and snails are all pests that can affect your Begonias. Some diseases that could affect them include leaf spot, mildew, root rot, and crown rot. Good growing conditions and proper care are usually all that’s needed to prevent pests.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eToxicity\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWe often see it repeated that begonias are an irritant to pets and humans, but despite having calcium oxylate, we can find absolutely no scientific basis for these claims, which seem to fall in the category of fake plant news.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eBegonia Companion Plants\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eHere are just a few suggestions for other perennials that will make a great match to most any Begonia.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca title=\"Asarum (Wild Ginger)\" href=\"\/collections\/asarum-wild-ginger-plant-hexastylis\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAsarum\u003c\/a\u003e (Wild Ginger)\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca title=\"Aspidistra (Cast Iron Plant)\" href=\"\/collections\/aspidistra-cast-iron-plant\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAspidistra\u003c\/a\u003e (Cast Iron Plant)\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca title=\"Carex (Sedge)\" href=\"\/collections\/sedge-carex-grass\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eCarex\u003c\/a\u003e (Sedge)\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca title=\"Ferns\" href=\"\/collections\/fern-plant-hardy-ferns-perennial-outdoor-garden\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eFerns\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca title=\"Hosta (Plantain Lily)\" href=\"\/collections\/hosta-plant-blue-variegated-large-small-miniature-plantain-lily\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHosta\u003c\/a\u003e (Plantain Lily)\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca title=\"Heuchera (Coral Bells)\" href=\"\/collections\/coral-bells-heuchera-varieties\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHeuchera\u003c\/a\u003e (Coral Bells)\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhen you're ready to buy hardy Begonias for your perennial woodland garden, we hope you'll check out our on-line list of hardy Begonias for sale.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFor more detailed information on how to grow and care for Begonias, visit the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.begonias.org\/resources\/growing-begonias\/\"\u003eAmerican Begonia Society\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"begonia-grandis-herons-pirouette","title":"Begonia grandis Herons Pirouette","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis Heronswood introduction of the durable \u003ca title=\"Begonia grandis\" href=\"https:\/\/www.plantdelights.sbs\/collections\/begonia\"\u003eBegonia grandis\u003c\/a\u003e was made from wild-collected seed from Dan Hinkley's 1997 expedition to Japan. While the triangular green foliage on the vigorous 3' tall x 4' wide clump is similar to the species, the huge and excessively large flower clusters of deep pink make this a unique selection. For us, Begonia 'Heron's Pirouette' begins flowering in June and continues non-stop until fall. As with the species, Begonia 'Heron's Pirouette' reproduces true from axillary bulbils, so you'll soon have plenty to share. Very easy and very nice!\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWatch our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/youtube.com\/shorts\/ttwB8g4w1d4\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ePlant Spotlight\u003c\/a\u003e video for more information.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Plant Delights Nursery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":21026158917,"sku":"4820","price":22.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1527\/8799\/files\/Begonia-grandis-Herons-Pirouette.i-4820.s-63821.r-1.jpg?v=1791397934"},{"product_id":"begonia-smooch","title":"Begonia Smooch","description":"\u003cp\u003eBegonia 'Smooch' is an 2014 Plant Delights\/JLBG introduction from Georgia plantsman Ozzie Johnson. Begonia 'Smooch' is an outstanding hybrid of Begonia grandis 'Heron's Pirouette' and probably Begonia chitoensis. In our trials, Begonia 'Smooch' has excelled, forming a 16\" tall x 4' wide clump of glossy green foliage, topped from summer until frost with huge 2.25\" flowers dangling from long 8\" pedicels (the stalky things attached to the stems). We think you'll really enjoy having a 'Smooch' in your garden.\u003c\/p\u003e ","brand":"Plant Delights Nursery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":21028001029,"sku":"7517","price":22.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1527\/8799\/files\/Begonia-Smooch.i-7517.s-63312.r-1.jpg?v=1789735695"},{"product_id":"begonia-sp-pewterware","title":"Begonia sp Pewterware","description":"\u003cp\u003e(aka: Begonia U-358) This wonderful begonia is a D. Miller collection from Malaysia, which makes it all the more surprising that it has overwintered here into the upper teens F. For us, Begonia 'Pewterware' makes an 18\" tall x 18\" wide rhizomatous clump of wide silver foliage with a red back. The light pink flowers are nice, but nothing compared to the great foliage. In colder climates, Begonia 'Pewterware' makes a superb houseplant or mixed container specimen.\u003c\/p\u003e ","brand":"Plant Delights Nursery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":21028603141,"sku":"8534","price":23.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1527\/8799\/files\/Begonia-sp-Pewterware.i-8534.s-62394.r-1.jpg?v=1781537033"},{"product_id":"begonia-grandis-pink-teardrops","title":"Begonia grandis Pink Teardrops","description":"\u003cp\u003eBegonia 'Pink Teardrops' is a 2017 Plant Delights\/JLBG introduction that we selected from thousands of seedlings from Begonia grandis 'Heron's Pirouette'. In side by side trials, our 2010 seedling that we named Begonia 'Pink Teardrops' substantially out-flowered not only its mother, but all of its siblings. For us, the 2' tall x 3' wide clumps of upright stalks are clothed in green foliage and topped with pendulous spikes of bright pink flowers from June through September. We think you'll really like this easy-to-grow, \u003ca title=\"hardy begonia\" href=\"https:\/\/www.plantdelights.sbs\/collections\/begonia\"\u003ehardy begonia\u003c\/a\u003e for your woodland garden. Since Begonia grandis reproduces by bulbils produced in the leaf axils in late summer, you'll have plenty to share.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e'Pink Teardrops' blooms for an amazingly long time, many months. It does produce large numbers of bulbils so one will soon be able to make large masses of it. Maintenance consists of cutting it to the ground after frost. Part shade to bright shade and average moisture suits it best.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Plant Delights Nursery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":22566036549,"sku":"11863","price":22.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1527\/8799\/files\/Begonia-grandis-Pink-Teardrops.i-11863.s-64819.r-1.jpg?v=1787249673"},{"product_id":"begonia-cotes-de-castillon","title":"Begonia Cotes de Castillon","description":"\u003cp\u003eBegonia 'Cotes de Castillon' is another little-known, but surprisingly \u003ca title=\"See more winter hardy begonia\" href=\"https:\/\/www.plantdelights.sbs\/collections\/begonia\"\u003ewinter hardy begonia\u003c\/a\u003e that's excelled in our trials. This unknown species was brought to the US in 1995 from the Kuala Lumpur Orchid Garden by Henri Laporte. Being a wine grower, Henri named it after a favorite wine. In the garden, Begonia 'Cotes de Castillon' forms a 20\" tall x 3' wide specimen, composed of large 10\" x 7\" leaves, held at the end of burgundy petioles. Each glossy silver leaf has a lovely wine\/maroon back. The clumps are adorned with pink flowers, but these are mostly produced below the foliage, so we grow this for the amazing foliage. The key to outdoor survival in cold winter climates is keeping the soil dry in the winter months.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e ","brand":"Plant Delights Nursery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":6352869097511,"sku":"12822","price":23.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1527\/8799\/files\/Begonia-Cotes-de-Castillon.i-12822.s-65241.r-1.jpg?v=1790767965"},{"product_id":"begonia-immortality","title":"Begonia Immortality","description":"\u003cp\u003eBegonia 'Immortality' is a 2021 Plant Delights\/JLBG introduction of a winter hardy seedling we selected from a strain of winter hardy bedding begonias. In 2014, NC gardener Ralph Whisnant shared seed from a strain of winter hardy bedding begonias. We grew out hundreds, from which we selected unique forms for in-ground hardiness trials. Only two selections survived the winter extremes here in 2017, one of which we recognized as being outstanding. Begonia 'Immortality' is either a selection or hybrid of Begonia cucullata, but without the tendency to seed around like the species. The 2' tall x 2' wide plants emerge with green leaves, edged red, and topped with a parade of pink flowers from spring through late summer. We recommend these get some direct sun for part of the day where possible, since increased light intensity increases winter hardiness.\u003c\/p\u003e ","brand":"Plant Delights Nursery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32454643613783,"sku":"16726","price":22.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1527\/8799\/files\/Begonia-Immortality.i-16726.s-66295.r-1.jpg?v=1783352341"},{"product_id":"begonia-grandis-alba","title":"Begonia grandis Alba","description":"\u003cp\u003eBegonia grandis 'Alba' is another excellent form of the classic hardy deciduous begonia. The fleshy upright stalks emerge in May (NC), and extend to 2' tall, clothed with corrugated green leaves with stunning red backsides. Starting in late June and continuing until fall, the stalks are adorned with drooping terminal clusters of pale pink calyces which subtend the white flowers. Although \u003ca title=\"Begonia grandis\" href=\"https:\/\/www.plantdelights.sbs\/collections\/begonia\"\u003eBegonia grandis\u003c\/a\u003e 'Alba' is a clump former, it will spread via leaf bulbils, which drop to the soil below in fall.\u003c\/p\u003e ","brand":"Plant Delights Nursery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39365159256151,"sku":"16767","price":22.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1527\/8799\/files\/Begonia-grandis-Alba.i-16767.s-66499.r-1_c378dbd9-639f-497f-9c5a-7cd19537281f.jpg?v=1790769509"},{"product_id":"begonia-sterling-moon-pp-33164","title":"Begonia Sterling Moon PP 33164","description":"\u003cp\u003eBegonia 'Sterling Moon' is a true breakthrough in the world of hardy begonias, for those of us who struggle with finding fancy leaf varieties that thrive in both our hot, humid summers and cold, wet winters. This amazing Ozzie Johnson hybrid forms a 2' tall x 30\" wide clump of fuzzy red stems, each ending in a stunning 1' wide leaf with an olive background and veins, overlain with a densely pebbled silver surface. The bright red leaf back is no less stunning than the front. The terminal clusters of blush pink, pendent flowers bloom heaviest in fall.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWatch our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/6NTozQa1hqg?si=WH4f57HY9Xi7IwxJ\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ePlant Spotlight\u003c\/a\u003e video for more information. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Plant Delights Nursery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41907027247191,"sku":"18448","price":18.4,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1527\/8799\/files\/Begonia-Sterling-Moon-PP-33164.i-18448.s-68155.r-1.jpg?v=1791397334"},{"product_id":"begonia-harvest-moon-pp-34895","title":"Begonia Harvest Moon PP 34895","description":"\u003cp\u003eBegonia 'Harvest Moon' is a new, winter-hardy Ozzie Johnson hybrid that has thrived through our summers and winters. This 20\" tall x 2' wide clump is made up of red stems that emerge from the subterranean rhizome, each ending in 1' wide leaves that are dark olive-green on top, and carmine-red below. We also love the terminal stalks of pendent 3\" bicolor (white and pink) flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e ","brand":"Plant Delights Nursery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41907027509335,"sku":"18450","price":23.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1527\/8799\/files\/Begonia-Harvest-Moon-PP-34895.i-18450.s-68154.r-1_b86dea72-209d-4560-b0e0-4e0e587d747e.jpg?v=1790953968"},{"product_id":"begonia-caribbean-star","title":"Begonia Caribbean Star","description":"\u003cp\u003eBegonia 'Caribbean Star' is a fascinating Tim Anderson (Palm Hammock Orchid Estate) hybrid that was made widely available thanks to begoniaphile, John Boggan. Our 2' tall x 2' wide plants, clothed in hand-sized silver, jagged-edge leaves highlighted by green veins, is topped with stalks of pink flowers in fall. Begonia 'Caribbean Star', planted here in 2019, is still thriving in the garden after our 11 degree F winter. Earlier attempts died at 7 degrees F, so that makes it Zone 8a hardy. Where winter temperatures are too cold, enjoy this as a great house plant.\u003c\/p\u003e ","brand":"Plant Delights Nursery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42450441076823,"sku":"13026","price":23.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1527\/8799\/files\/Begonia-Caribbean-Star.i-13026.s-68275.r-1.jpg?v=1779465920"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1527\/8799\/collections\/Begonia-grandis-Pink-Teardrops-1900x350.jpg?v=1679493981","url":"https:\/\/www.plantdelights.sbs\/collections\/begonia.oembed","provider":"Plant Delights Nursery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}