Wax Begonia – Begonia X semperflorens (B. semperflorens-cultorum hybrids)

Common Name: Wax Begonia, Bedding Begonia, Begonia

Botanical Name: Begonia X semperflorens (B. semperflorens-cultorum hybrids), bay-GO-nee-a X sem-per-FLOR-ens

Decorative Life: 2-4 plus weeks depending on environment.

Flower Color: Pink, Red, White, Yellow

Availability: Year Round

Do better in the landscape if grown in mixes containing both a wetting agent and hydrogel. Plugs can be stored for 6 weeks in the dark (6 weeks in light) at 41F and subsequently grown into very acceptable plants and/or flowers. Irrigating with water containing very low levels of chlorine (2-8 ppm) can cause significant growth reductions with some cultivars.

Chill sensitive, store above 55 degrees F. Plugs can be stored for up to six weeks at 40-45F if provided as little as 5 ft-c of light during storage.

• The specific epithet name “semperflorens” means ever flowering. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology lists this species as an allergy-safe pollen producing plant.
• Begonia: after Michel Begon, 1638-1710, promoter of botany at St. Domingo.
• A close relative, Begonia X hiemalis, is a common house plant.
• Requires good light for good flowering. This species used mostly for bedding or garden plants. Some favorite cultivars and their respective flower colors include ‘Eureka’ (scarlet) and ‘Eureka White’. Will generally do well in light levels at least bright enough to read a newspaper in comfort but more light (up to filtered full sunlight) would be better.
• Rex and tuberous rooted begonias are other classes. Rex are generally grown for their foliage and tuberous rooted types are often used in hanging baskets and are known for their brilliant flowers.