The Year of the Begonia

2016 has been declared the Year of the Begonia by the National Garden Bureau. We're so glad! Begonias are one of our favorite annual crops to grow here at BGC and according to our customers, we have the best ones in the area. 

There are over 1,700 different species of Begonias. With all the various types of Begonias, there are so many to choose from that it is often hard to decide which one to try.  Following is a brief run-down of the different varieties we are growing this spring.

Other than the rather common wax begonias (shown above in those fabulous strawberry jars), Non-stop tuberous begonias are probably most well-known. Non-stop begonias, with their large blooms in vibrant hues, provide a bright punch of color in a shady spot.  In addition to the Non-stops, there are new series of tuberous begonias being introduced every year. Newcomers in our greenhouse include 'Pink Halo' and 'Unstoppable' Upright Fire. 

'Pink Halo' photo source: whiteflowerfarm.com

'Unstoppable Upright Fire' photo source: rotarygardens.blogspot.com

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 Those making a return appearance are 'Miss Montreal', 'Elegance',  'Devotion' (a more pink version of Elegance'), 'Sparks Will Fly' and 'Cherry Bon Bon'.  They are lovely in hanging baskets and container gardens.

'Miss Montreal' photo source: nationalgardenbureau.com

'Million Kisses Elegance' photo source: nickysnursery.wordpress.com

'Sparks Will Fly' photo source: nationalgardenbureau.com

Looking for a heat tolerant begonia that brings continuous blooms? The boliviensis series looks stunning in a large container or hanging basket. Our favorites are quickly becoming your favorites:  'Santa Cruz Sunset', 'San Francisco', and 'Pink Glow'.

'Santa Cruz Sunset' photo source: nationalgardenbureau.com

'San Francisco' photo source: harrisseeds.com

'Pink Glow' photo source: egmontseeds.co.nz.

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Of course we can't forget the begonias known for their interesting leaves. Rex Begonias have bold patterned foliage that are perfect for adding color and texture to any container.  They make wonderful houseplants once their watering needs have been mastered. 'Sophia', 'Gryphon' (shown below with silver foliage), and 'Escargot' are among the Rex Begonias found in our greenhouses this spring.  

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Another series of hybrid Begonias that thrives all season with continuous blooms is Dragon Wing Begonia which is an AngelWing Begonia.  AngelWings are go-to plants that give an outstanding performance in full sun or full shade. 'Dragon Wing Pink' is shown below. 

photo source: parkseed.com

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Claiming to be the easiest annual you'll ever grow, we believe it! The BIG series can be grown in full sun, full shade, and everything in between. It's drought tolerant (aka it will be fine if you miss a watering), and like other begonias - no deadheading required. Choose from BIG ​Rose w/Bronze Leaf, BIG Red w/ Bronze Leaf, and BIG Green Leaf. 

BIG pink w/ green leaves photo source: nationalgardenbureau.com

BIG Red w/ Bronze Leaf photo source: parkseed.com

​Come see all the varieties filling the greenhouse. Bet you can't leave without one. 

Happy planting!
Tracy Hankwitz
BGC Store Manager