General Description/History

With over 1500 species, Begonia is one of the largest angiosperm genera. Tuberous Begonias are so named for their tuberous root system, and are well known bedding and pot plants. They are grown for their showy flowers that can range in size from 10mm in diameter to the large exhibition types that can have flowers the size of dinner plates. Flower heads consist of one large male flower in the centre and two smaller female flowers at the sides, and there can be several per plant. The flowers range in type from singles to full doubles and come in every colour except blue: white, cream, yellow, pink, red, orange, scarlet and crimson are common. There are flowers with different coloured edges and some are even scented. Plant forms range from trailers that are grown in hanging baskets with pendulous flowers to sturdy upright plants. Plants will become dormant during autumn and winter, and re-sprout in the spring.

Garden, or bedding type begonias are also called ‘Nonstops’, which are easier to grow. Nonstops are a cross between the multiflora type of tuberous begonia and some larger-flowered forms. Nonstops are planted in the garden in late spring (November) in rich, well-drained soil. They will grow well in warmer areas (Sydney and north) if given protection from hot afternoon sun. As with normal tuberous begonias the Nonstops are dormant in winter.

What to look for

• Buy pots with a few open flowers and many buds;
• Avoid pots with yellow leaves and faded, wilting flowers

Flower Care

1. Can be difficult to grow in areas north of (& including) Sydney, or Perth and may need a glasshouse in southern areas
2. Will not tolerate extreme cold or hot temperatures: night temperatures must stay above 15oC, and day temperatures less than 27oC. Do not tolerate long periods of high humidity well
3. Best position is on a sheltered patio or a sunny window ledge with filtered sunlight
4. Do not over-water – water once or twice a week
5. Plants become dormant in winter – this is the time to clean away yellow foliage and re-pot, if you wish
6. Do not water dormant plants

Interesting Facts about this Flower

Begonias are now considered endangered in the wild. The name ‘begonia’ was given in honour of Michel Begon (1638-1710), who was an amateur French botanist who collected begonias from Santo Domingo while stationed there with the French navy. Tuberous begonias were discovered later by an Englishman, Richard Pearce, in 1864.

Botanical Name: Begonia sp.

Common Names: Begonia, Nonstops

Stem Length: 

Country of Origin: South and Central America, Africa, Asia

Available Colours: Black, Brown, Cream, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple, Red, White, Yellow

Season: Summer,Autumn

Availability: January,February,March,April,May,Decemeber