Very often, when we mention begonia, what comes to mind is a houseplant grown in pots and cache-pots. And we don’t even think about how diverse begonia is. It can be root and tuberous, simple and terry, indoor and garden. And the richness of its colors never ceases to delight. Sometimes, looking at the gorgeous flower beds, you don’t even realize that all this beauty is created exclusively from amazing begonias. In ornamental gardening, tuberous begonia and everflowering begonia are most often used. We suggest you pay attention to them.
Begonia (Begonia), family Begoniaceae, - beautifully blooming herbaceous plant, originally from the tropics. The number of its annual and perennial species is huge. It can be a bush, ampelous or creeping plant. (You can learn more about ampelous begonia). Some of the begonias have very decorative leaves, while others have the main advantage - beautiful flowers. Their root systems are different; there are rhizomatous, tuberous, and fibrous superficial roots. Although begonia has been grown as an ornamental crop for more than 200 years, scientists have not yet achieved unity in the taxonomy of this plant.
The stems and leaves of begonias are fleshy and succulent, like those of succulents. Most often, the leaves are asymmetrical and have a beautiful color (green, dark red, with veins or spots). Flowers of irregular shape, unisexual (male and female are present) are collected in a loose panicle. The fruit is a capsule with yellowish-orange seeds.
The most popular species among gardeners are tuberous begonia(Begonia tuberhybrida) and begonia everblooming(Begonia semperflorens).
Tuberous begonia is a perennial plant. This species combines many hybrid and varietal forms. It has a branching fleshy stem (up to 70 cm), pubescent leaves, shaped like a distorted heart with a jagged edge. The upper part of the leaf may be green or reddish, while the lower part is dark green. The flowers are simple, double, semi-double, shaped like a rose or camellia. Depending on the variety, the size of the flower ranges from 4 to 20 cm. In winter, during the dormant period, the tuber is dug up, then stored until spring in a cool room, covered with peat. Used to decorate balconies and create various flower beds. is not simple and is more suitable for experienced gardeners.
Begonia tuberous 
But if we're talking about When it comes to urban landscaping, the leader here is the ever-flowering begonia. It is its varieties that create picturesque patterns in flower beds and parks. It is loved by gardeners for its unpretentiousness and long flowering. Therefore, we will dwell in more detail on this type.
Begonia ever-blooming and its varieties
The type of ever-flowering begonia (semperflorens) also includes a fairly large number of hybrid and varietal forms. It has a wonderful feature of delighting us with abundant flowering all summer, despite any weather. Therefore, it was called “ever-blooming” or “ever-blooming.” This species is perennial, but in our climate it is grown as an annual.
This type of begonia was first brought to Europe from Brazil in 1821 and was loved for its unpretentiousness. Scientists and breeders immediately set about breeding various hybrid varieties. Currently, their number has already exceeded 600. Thus, varieties with double flowers, dwarf forms, new color shades. Currently, evergreen begonia is divided into two types:
- Semperflorence is typical - a strongly branched, strong bush with smooth, shiny leaves and small flowers.
- Gracilis is a bush with delicate shoots and small pubescent leaves, but with larger flowers.
This species can also be divided according to other characteristics.
- The color of the leaves is green-leaved (darker or lighter) and bronze-leaved (brownish or brownish-green).
- Plant height - tall (26-35 cm), medium (21-25 cm), dwarf (8-20 cm).
- Flowers can have different shades of red, pink, white in color, and in shape they can be simple or double.
I would like to note some varieties of this wonderful plant.
Tall:
- Volumia is a rounded bush with rich green leaves, resistant to heat and drought, the color can be white, light pink, pink, scarlet, bicolor.
- Baby Wing - variety series with large, strong bushes, varieties have green and bronze colored leaves, flowers come in single-color and bi-color in various colors.
Begonia everblooming tall Baby Wing
- Lotto is a large compact bush of ever-blooming begonia with emerald green leaves and unusually large leaves for this species. simple flowers various colors.
Medium height:
- Bada Boom is a dense compact bush with bronze leaves, characterized by early flowering, simple flowers of white, pink and bright red.
- Bada Bing - this plant has rich green leaves with a thin white border along the edge, and in the shape of the bush and the color of the flowers it is very similar to its fellow Bada Boom.
- Ambassador - this variety series has green leaves, along the edge of which there is a thin red stripe, the flower range, like most begonias, is white, pink, red, bicolor, and is tolerant of weather conditions.
Begonia ever-blooming medium-sized Bada Boom 
Begonia ever-blooming medium-sized Ambassador
Dwarf:
- Queen is a green-leaved hybrid variety series with white, red, dark pink double flowers, resistant to weather conditions.
- Cocktail is a very profusely flowering low-growing bush with red-brown leaves and white, red, pink simple flowers typical of begonias.
- Ray is a low-growing hybrid, has increased resistance to bad weather; against the background of emerald green leaves, snow-white flowers with a bright pink border look especially impressive.
This is just a small drop from a huge sea of interesting and beautiful varieties. This is such a diverse ever-flowering begonia, you can see photos of some specimens below.
Begonia everblooming Gritsalis 
Begonia everblooming Senator Red
Reproduction methods
Ever-flowering begonia is grown from seeds or by cuttings.
Seeds are sown for seedlings in February. Begonia, like petunia and lobelia, has very small seeds, so before sowing they should be mixed with river sand or sown on snow. You can buy or prepare a regular soil mixture for seedlings (garden soil, sand and peat). Sowing is done superficially; the seeds are not deepened or sprinkled. Sprout under transparent film, lid or glass. Watering by drip or through a tray. Picking is carried out when the first pair of true leaves appear. Planted in the garden or flower bed in June. Although it is a perennial by nature, ever-flowering begonia, grown from seeds, blooms in the same summer.
It is much easier and more convenient to propagate begonias from cuttings. Cuttings can be leaf or stem.
To obtain cuttings, in the fall the existing bush of everflowering begonia is transplanted into a pot and kept on the windowsill with moderate watering. It is advisable not to let them bloom so that intensive growth occurs. At the very beginning of March, we cut cuttings with two or three internodes, but no more than 10 cm. We cut large leaves in half, and lightly dry the cuttings for 3 hours. Then we plant it in a prepared substrate made from a mixture of peat and sand and cover it with a transparent bag or PET bottle. We root at a temperature of about 25 degrees in a very bright place. You can also use soilless substrates such as perlite and vermiculite for rooting. Watering is moderate and careful, exclusively at the root. The cuttings will take root in about a month, then they can be transplanted into suitable small containers.
Propagation by leaf cuttings of everflowering begonia is best done in August. To do this, healthy, mature leaves are selected and cut off with a sharp knife near the stem. Then they are planted in a substrate under a film for rooting. Substrate and further care are the same as for stem cuttings. After transplanting into the ground, the old leaf dies, and the young ones begin to develop intensively.
Sometimes rooting is carried out in water. Most often, leaf cuttings are rooted this way. To prevent rotting, add a tablet to the water activated carbon.
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Necessary care
In order for your garden begonia to be beautiful and healthy, planting and caring for it must be correct.
Begonia should be planted in the garden in early June, when night frosts are no longer even a concern, because begonia is a tropical plant. Accordingly, you should choose a bright place for planting, but it is better not in the sun to avoid sunburn on the leaves. Interestingly, in the shade, plants with bronze leaf color can change it to greenish, and in bright sun it becomes rich burgundy. With strong shading, the plant stretches and blooms poorly.
Garden begonia prefers soil with neutral acidity (slightly acidic is allowed). The soil should be light, nutritious and well drained. Therefore, sand and humus should be added to heavy soil, and humus and turf soil should be added to sandy soil. In places where the soil becomes soggy, the roots of the begonia will rot; in this case, you should make a small hill for planting it.
Before planting, dig up the selected area well (about 20 cm), prepare the holes, and water them well. Carefully remove the plants from the pots along with a lump of earth, trying to minimize the trauma to the roots. Plant the seedlings in the hole 1-2 cm deeper than they grew in the pot. The distance between seedlings should be on average 15 cm. larger variety, the greater the distance between them. In flowerpots they are planted closer to each other.
The first week after planting and in dry, hot weather, garden begonia requires abundant watering. Typically, the soil should always be moist, but not allowed to become soggy. You can’t water the plant in the sun, as it will get the leaves burned; it’s better to wait until dusk to water.
Like any plant, evergreen begonia should be fed. Moderation is important here, since excess fertilizer will reduce flowering. In the first weeks after planting, you can feed the seedlings nitrogen fertilizers, and then once every two weeks with complex fertilizer in a small concentration. Feeding is especially necessary after a sudden onset of hot weather or when the leaves are small and pale.
Most begonias drop their dried flowers themselves, so there is no need to pick them. For correct formation bush, excessively elongated shoots should be trimmed.
Although in our area the ever-flowering begonia is grown as an annual, remember that it is still a perennial plant. Therefore, with the onset of cold weather, transplant it into a pot and bring it into the house. In the future, it can be used for cuttings or simply placed on the windowsill and enjoy the continuous flowering.
Diseases and pests
If you provide the ever-flowering begonia with proper and regular care, then the risk of being attacked by pests or diseases is minimal. Most often, problems are caused by improper care and unfavorable weather conditions.
Yellowing and drying of leaves and flower buds indicates excessively dry air, lack of light or moisture. The care of the plant should be changed.
Evergreen begonia is affected by fungal diseases such as root infections, gray and leaf rot, and powdery mildew. In this case, you should tear off the damaged leaves and then spray the plants with a fungicide solution.
Garden begonia is most often affected by insects in greenhouses and greenhouses. These can be thrips, aphids, whiteflies, root-knot and leaf nematodes, and false scale insects. Various insecticides will come to the rescue here.
To avoid mass infection, it is advisable to separate the diseased plant from the rest.
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Begonia in landscape design
Unlike other species, ever-flowering begonia is quite unpretentious, so it is multifunctional in use.
Begonia carpet monoplants look very nice different varieties. This technique is often used in park design when creating large flower beds with intricate patterns. Please note: ever-blooming begonia, photo of a wonderful monoflower.
It fits wonderfully into the lower tier of various flower beds. Begonia is excellent as low curb. Planted in flowerpots, it can adequately decorate the entrance area. It can be used in rocky hills.
Maritime cineraria and dark-leaved everflowering begonia emphasize each other’s advantages very well, the photo clearly illustrates this. Begonia combines harmoniously with ageratum, coleus, and marigolds. It is so versatile that it can be combined with many plants.
As you can see, the tropical beauty garden begonia is not at all capricious. Growing it is not particularly difficult. But how many positive emotions you will get when contemplating these cute and delicate flowering bushes on your site. And with the onset of cold weather, the begonia will bloom all winter in a pot on the windowsill, prolonging your summer.
Bright flowers on the windowsill lift your spirits even on the cloudiest day. Ever-blooming begonia has gained particular love as a pet. This Brazilian beauty proper care ready to continually shower its owners with a riot of colors.
Breeders have worked fruitfully to expand the range of evergreen begonias. To lovers of bright indoor plants opened huge selection shapes, sizes and colors. Several varieties of evergreen begonia look good on one window or balcony.
It was even possible to adapt the tropical plant to the conditions of a short and cool summer. Such hybrids are cultivated as annuals, transferred from home to garden in the spring. Most varieties are grown for several years without changing location in greenhouses and greenhouses, as well as on window sills and balconies.
The basic requirements for plant maintenance are good lighting, warmth and moderate moisture.
Interruptions in flowering are not observed only if conditions are as close to tropical as possible.
Planting features: choice of soil and pot
Planting evergreen begonia is simple. The soil is poured into a container on top of a drainage layer made of pebbles or expanded clay. The roots of the plant are placed horizontally, covered with soil, lightly compacted, and watered. When planting several plants in one container, you should make sure that each of them is allocated at least 10 cm of space.
Begonia can develop well and bloom profusely in almost any soil. The main thing is that it is slightly acidic, loose and permeable. The lack of nutrients can be easily corrected with the help of fertilizing.
Suitable soil for planting begonias is usually obtained in two ways:
- Purchase a specially designed mixture.
- Collect soil from the garden and mix it with baking powder - vermiculite or perlite.
The root system of begonias is close to the surface. In view of this, a shallow but wide container is selected for its cultivation.
- Container diameter - 20-30 cm.
- The material of the container is heavy so that it does not tip over under the weight of the bush.
- Drainage holes are required.
Lighting and temperature mode
Begonia will not please with the brightness of its colors if it is away from the window. For year-round flowering the plant must be exposed to light for at least 16 hours a day. This means that additional lighting will be required in winter. What to do with begonia in the fall and until mid-spring, if this is not possible? It is better not to torment your pet, but to provide him with a period of rest.
Temperature is also extremely important.
To keep your begonia covered with beautiful flowers all year round, follow these tips:
- Maintain the room temperature within 20°C.
- Shade the begonia at the height of the day if it is located on a south-facing window, as severe overheating can destroy it.
- Protect the plant's roots from hypothermia.
- During the rest period (if necessary), do not lower the temperature below 12°C.
Watering and fertilizing the flower
The plant reduces decorative properties with moisture deficiency. But it is also important to ensure that the water does not stagnate in the pot. Watering is best done after the top layer of soil has dried. If a dormant period is created for the plant, the frequency of watering should be reduced during this time.
Begonia absorbs water not only with its roots, but also with its leaves. To create ideal conditions for the plant, you need to place containers filled with water nearby or place a wet cloth. Begonia does not like direct spraying.
The crop is usually fed once or twice a month. To do this, use preparations containing a complex of minerals for flowering plants. If possible, it is better to use fertilizer specially created for begonias.
Begonia care in winter
The main task of the gardener in winter is to provide begonias with suitable temperature and light conditions. If growing conditions and care do not change throughout the year, lush flowering will never cease to please the eye.
In the absence of a supplementary lighting system or when the temperature in the room drops, the flower is given a period of rest.
In this case, you need to make the following changes:
- move the container to a cool place;
- reduce watering;
- reduce the amount of fertilizing.
Once the conditions necessary for flowering are achieved, the previous care is resumed.
Repotting a houseplant
Begonia everflowering is replanted only 1 or 2 times during the entire period, when it becomes obvious that the container has become too small for the developed root system. Select a larger container, remembering that the roots will grow mainly in breadth.
After a few years, the plant begins to lose its decorative appearance, exposing the lower parts of the stems. In this case, the transplant will no longer help restore it to its former glory. old bush thrown away and replaced with a new one.
Begonia: reproduction
You can propagate evergreen begonia at home in two ways:
- Seeds. This method is only suitable for varieties with simple flowers and is rarely used at home. Terry begonia everblooming will lose its unique characteristics with such propagation. Small seeds are scattered over the surface of the soil, the container is covered with film and placed in a warm place. Without forgetting to spray and ventilate, seedlings are expected. When the plants have 2-3 leaves, they are planted in separate containers. The temperature and watering must be reduced for a while so that the sprouts do not stretch. In a maximum of 20 weeks, the begonias will bloom.
- Cuttings. You will need branches 10 cm long. The lower leaves are immediately removed, and the cut is treated with a root formation stimulator. The cuttings are either placed in water to obtain roots, or immediately planted in soil to which sand is added. The appearance of new shoots is a signal for plant replanting.
- An elongated stem and pale leaves indicate poor lighting.
- Drying or curling of leaves indicates dry air or too intense sunlight.
- Drying buds is a sign of dry air.
Sometimes the stems or roots of the begonia begin to rot. This occurs in the case of reduced temperature while maintaining high humidity. If the plant is not severely affected, it is necessary to remove the damaged parts and raise the temperature in the room. If the bush is significantly damaged, healthy cuttings are cut from it and the rest is thrown away.
It is best to combat all begonia pests (aphids, whiteflies, nematodes, etc.) with proven insecticides. For example, Karbofos and Intavir often come to the aid of flower growers. Treatment should be carried out outside the living area so that the poisons do not harm anyone.
Evergreen begonia reports violations in care in the following ways:
Currently, many varieties of ever-flowering begonia have been bred, including those resistant to the temperature conditions of the cool summer of the middle zone.
Such varieties cultivated as annuals, growing them indoors and then planting them outdoors in the spring when the threat of frost has passed.
When the autumn cold snaps, the plants are removed.
Well-preserved strong specimens that will serve as a source of cuttings for the next growth summer season, sent to a warm winter.
- The following varieties of begonia are most suitable for such cultivation:
- Alba– tall, up to 40 cm, spreading, with dark green foliage and white flowers, collected in groups of 12 pieces.
- Kate Teicher– grows to a height of 40 cm, green leaves bordered in red. The inflorescences are red, thirteen-flowered.
- Carmen– medium-sized (25 cm) variety with very dark, lilac-brown foliage and pink flowers, grouped by six.
- Othello– The 25cm stems bear bright scarlet flowers that bloom in abundance.
- Albert Martin– low-growing (15 cm) variety, green leaves with a red edge. Bright carmine-purple flowers are united in inflorescences of nine pieces. Up to 55 flowers unfold simultaneously on one plant.
- Bella– low (19 cm), decorated with green leaves bordered by red and dark pink nine-flowered inflorescences. 140 flowers can bloom at the same time.
- Bicola- a low-growing (13 cm) variety with green foliage and white flowers with a pink border, collected in groups of four.
At the same time, even more numerous “ever-blooming” varieties are grown V indoor culture .
Home care
Lighting
Bright light is needed. The best lighting will be provided by windows facing east or southwest. On windows in northern directions, as well as during the season of short daylight hours, for “eternal flowering”, additional lighting is needed - so that the light period is 16 hours a day. On the south and south-east side, shading may be required - especially in high summer.
Temperature
Best temperature range during the whole year– from 20 to 25 degrees.
How to preserve ever-blooming begonia in winter?
in winter need to be protected root system from hypothermia(for example, on a cold windowsill), and in summer- to not allow overheating of stems and leaves.
If begonia semperflorens is kept with short daylight hours in winter, you need to transfer it to rest mode– keep at a temperature of 12 to 15 degrees, but not lower than: temperature +12ºС is critical for initially tropical plant.
Priming
The plant does not have any special requirements for the soil substrate: it must be slightly acidic, quite loose, nutritious, with good air and moisture permeability.
You can use ready soil for begonias, or garden soil with a good dose of perlite or vermiculite, and also prepare a mixture of equal parts of leaf soil, humus and sand.
Landing
Container for landing maybe more wide than deep(plant roots develop in the surface layer of soil), with the obligatory drainage hole
. Since stagnation of water is extremely unfavorable, it is better to choose a porous container material - ceramics without a continuous layer of glaze.
At the bottom of the container must be placed drainage layer small pebbles or expanded clay, then soil is poured in a small mound, on top of which a predominantly horizontal root system is placed and the soil mixture is added to the desired level, gradually compacting it.
In one container you can plant several plants fairly close to each other - with a minimum feeding area of 10x10 cm for each.
Transfer
Transplanted as you grow: young specimens more often, mature specimens less often, up to the replacement of replanting by partial renewal of the surface layer of soil in the pot. In this case, as a rule, old plants lose their decorative properties and are replaced by young ones grown from cuttings.
Watering
Watered moderately, mainly in the morning or evening. The main goal in this case is to prevent the soil and root system from drying out, or stagnation of moisture in the soil.
Between waterings soft, not cold water the soil should dry out a little.
If in winter this begonia is located during the rest period, at a temperature of 12-15 degrees and short daylight hours, watering frequency should be decrease.
Air humidity
It is necessary to maintain the atmosphere high humidity , similar to the “native” tropics, but Direct spraying of the bush is not beneficial neither leaves nor flowers: they appear dark spots.
Should spray water around the begonia, or place wide vessels with water nearby, place the pot on a tray with moistened pebbles.
Top dressing
Feeding the plant once a month a weak solution of mineral fertilizers with a slightly reduced nitrogen component. Potassium and phosphorus, necessary for flowering plants, must be present in full.
If wintering of everblooming begonia is warm and bright, fertilizing don't stop.
Growth and pruning
This species does not grow higher than 40cm, but pruning– mostly after wintering – held: excessively elongated shoots are shortened, weak ones are removed.
At spring pruning You can also prepare cuttings for vegetative propagation.
Bloom
Potentially, “semperflorence” is really capable of always blooming, with all the tropical forces showing new and new, double and simple, inflorescences of diverse shades, combinations and transitions: from white and soft cream to ultra-dark red (read about double varieties).
The main guarantee of such a wonderful phenomenon is constant light, moderate heat and moisture - both in the soil and in the air.
Wilted inflorescences, like dried leaves, should be removed in a timely manner.
Reproduction
Begonia everblooming propagated vegetative – cuttings, as well as seeds.
It should be borne in mind that the varieties With simple flowers completely retain all characteristics during seed propagation, and terry forms are lost.
Propagation by stem cuttings
Use spring and summer cuttings about 10 cm long, on which there are 2-3 pairs of leaves. The sections are dried and the lower leaves are removed.
You can pre-root the cuttings in water, treat the lower cuts with rooting stimulants, or immediately plant them in regular soil with additional sand.
The planting is covered with plastic film and kept warm (+ 22-25ºС), ventilate and moisturize.
After the formation of the root system and the formation of new shoots (approximately within a month), the cuttings are planted in separate containers with regular soil mixture.
Propagation by seeds
This method is often used for growing seedlings in open ground, in annual mode.
At the end of winter small seeds are placed on the surface soil mixture, sprayed with water, covered with plastic film, ventilated, kept at a temperature 22-25ºС And good lighting.
Shoots appear in 2-3 weeks.
After formation two or three true leaves seedlings dive carefully, reduce the temperature to 17-18ºС And limit watering.
As they grow, they are seated. Flowering can begin as early as 12-20 weeks.
Signs of trouble
The leaves turn pale, the shoots stretch out– the result of insufficient lighting, especially in winter. It is necessary to ensure optimal light conditions and organize additional lighting during short daylight hours.
Flowering intensity decreases– excess bright light and excessive air humidity. The plant needs shading and ventilation.
The edges of the leaves turn brown and dry out– dry air and overheating. Exposure to direct sunlight should be limited and the air humidified.
The buds are falling, the flower buds are drying up – low humidity air. It needs to be moisturized additionally.
Begonia drops flowers– this occurs with a sharp change in temperature and humidity; can be observed in a recently acquired or suddenly moved specimen - as a stress reaction that passes as it adapts to new conditions, if they meet the needs of the plant.
Leaves and stems turn black– usually in frozen specimens that are grown in open ground. Select undamaged, strong bushes, transplant them into pots and transfer them to a warm room.
Diseases and pests of everflowering begonia
Care errors, first of all, stagnation or lack of moisture in the soil, weaken the plant and provoke its defeat powdery mildew. In this case, you need to optimize watering and treat the begonia fungicides.
Combination high humidity and low temperature leads to development root or leaf rot.
If the process has just begun, you should urgently optimize the temperature and humidity conditions and remove damaged parts.
In case of severe damage, you will have to root cuttings cut from healthy shoots and keep them in appropriate conditions, and get rid of the rest of the plant.
Begonia can be attacked whitefly, thrips and scale insects. As a first measure, remove pests using a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or treatment with a soap solution. The most efficient pest repellent - systemic insecticides.
In a room with humidified air, where all year round Warm and bright, the ever-blooming begonia (Begonia semperflorens) fully lives up to its promising botanical name, practically without ceasing to form and unfurl flower buds throughout all four seasons.
Begonia Semperflorens Hybrids are a large group of hybrid begonia varieties. Belongs to the Begoniaceae family. It is an annual or perennial herbaceous plant, compact bushes, no more than 30 cm high. The rhizome is bulbous-thickened, creeping. The stems are fleshy, juicy, branched. The leaf blades are round in shape, the edges are wavy, and there is slight pubescence. The color of the leaves includes various shades of green, some varieties have burgundy.
The flowers are unisexual, the male ones have 4 petals, and the female ones consist of 5. The colors are in pastel colors of white and red, there are double ones: milky white petals with a bright pink border or red stripes. The flowers are simple or double (they resemble small roses), attached to a low peduncle, 2-4 pieces each.
The seeds of begonia evergreen are tiny and can be described as coarse dust of dark brown color. One gram of weight contains about 85,000 seeds, germination persists for 3 years.
Does ever-blooming begonia overwinter?
Ever-blooming begonia is liked by landscape designers due to its long flowering, but in open ground it is grown exclusively as a summer plant; it will not survive wintering in the conditions of central Russia.
The genus Begonia has more than one and a half thousand species, the name is given in honor of Michel Begon, the governor of San Domingo. IN natural environment live in Africa South America, in the Malay Archipelago.
When does Everblooming Begonia bloom?
The plant fully corresponds to the species name, since the flowering period begins in May and lasts until late autumn. Flower growers call it an ever-blooming beauty, since few plants can boast such a long flowering period.
Land for planting begonias
Illumination
The best place for planting begonias is under the openwork crown of trees or tall shrubs; under such conditions, flowering will be lush.
You can plant it in a sunny area, but with shading at noon: under the scorching rays of the sun, the growth rate slows down and the decorative effect is lost. In strong shade the shoots stretch out. In both cases, the leaf blades may lose their anthocyanin coating, which leads to a loss of variegated hue and they will turn dark green.
Heat and humidity
Begonias are warm and moisture-loving. With a lack of soil and air moisture, the number of inflorescences decreases. More low temperatures in combination with moderate humidity, they promote compact growth of bushes, stems and leaves thicken, the abundance of flowering decreases, but the flowers are larger.
Modern varieties differ significantly from each other:
- For hot climate zones, special varieties have been created that grow well at high temperatures and low air humidity;
- Other varieties are designed for cool temperatures and can withstand 0 °C.
Priming
Begonias are unpretentious in the choice of soil; ordinary cultivated garden soil will do. To support lush flowering, you will need light, fertile soil with a neutral or slightly acidic reaction. To improve growth conditions, pre-fertilize the soil with humus (apply for deep digging 1 month before planting, 2-3 kg will be needed per 1 m²).
If the soil is heavy clay, add additional peat and coarse sand. Take care that the rhizome does not become waterlogged: do not plant in lowlands; if groundwater is close, build a high bed.
Growing evergreen begonia from seeds for seedlings at home
When to plant begonia seeds for seedlings
Begonia seeds are very, very small, so for uniform sowing they should be mixed with sand. In greenhouses, sow already in January, and when growing seedlings indoors, start sowing with increasing daylight hours (February-March). Still, it is better to resort to additional lighting.
How to sow
For soil, take a universal substrate for growing seedlings or a soil mixture consisting of leaf soil, humus and river sand (ratio 2:1:1). Fill wide containers (a bowl or a seedling box) with soil, distribute the seeds over the surface; there is no need to sprinkle them with soil. Moisten the crops by spraying with a fine spray; the water temperature should be 2-4 °C warmer than room temperature.
Cover the top of the container with the crops with film or glass. Do not allow condensation to collect on the inside - the crops may rot. Open for ventilation for a few minutes every day, and after watering (spray with a fine spray) leave uncovered for 1.5-2 hours. With the emergence of seedlings, which happens 14 days after sowing, get rid of the shelter.
The optimal temperature for seed germination is the range of 20-22 °C. At first, the seedlings develop slowly; after emergence, reduce the air temperature to 17-19 °C, shade them from direct sunlight and use additional illumination with phytolamps.
After the formation of two true leaves, plant the young sprouts in separate containers (plastic cups, peat or flower pots). Continue moderate watering.
Hardening
Before planting in open ground, seedlings must be hardened off. A couple of weeks before transplanting, on warm days, gradually open the greenhouses, and take the “indoor” seedlings outside (open balcony, garden) for several hours.
Planting evergreen begonia seedlings in open ground
Begonia is transplanted into open ground when real warmth is established (from about mid-May).
Water the seedlings well and let them stand so that the earthen ball peels off well from the walls of the pot (if you dived into separate containers). Make holes according to the size of the root system. Try to preserve the earthen ball as much as possible so as not to damage the roots.
Transfer the seedlings into the hole, add soil, and lightly compact the soil around the seedling. It is better to deepen the root collar by 1-2 cm, then additional roots will appear faster. If the root collar is much higher than the soil level, the plant will not take root well and may even dry out.
When determining the distance between individual plants, focus on their height and purpose of planting. In order for the flowerbed to quickly become decorative, maintain a gap of 10 cm. In border plantings, a distance of 15 cm will be required. When grown in balcony box or container, plant tightly (the leaves of the sprouts should touch each other).
Propagation of evergreen begonia by cuttings
Vegetative propagation is used for double and semi-double varieties in order to clearly preserve the characteristics of the variety.
To propagate by cuttings, evergreen begonia must be moved indoors for the winter. At the beginning of March, prune the bushes (it is better not to use these cuttings for propagation, since they are weak after wintering). Water regularly and apply complex fertilizers every 10 days. mineral fertilizers. Healthy shoots will soon grow.
In March-April, cut cuttings from them, each of them should contain 2-3 internodes. Root in clean sand or water, place under glass (cover with a jar), ensure the air temperature is within 22-24 °C.
When rooting in water, you will clearly notice new roots, and when rooting in sand, you can learn about this with the appearance of new leaves. After 3-4 weeks of growth, plant on permanent place growth.
Caring for evergreen begonia in the garden
Ever-blooming begonia in open ground does not require much attention.
How to water
Water the evergreen begonia regularly, every 5 days. Water in the morning or evening, use warm softened water (settled or rainwater).
How to feed
Constant flowering depletes the plant's strength, so feed it every 10 days. You can use fertilizers for flowering plants or the following mixture: 20 g of superphosphate, 10 g of potassium salt and 0.02 g of potassium permanganate (manganese) per 10 liters of water, consumption per 1 m² of area. You can alternate with organic matter: a solution of chicken manure in a ratio of 1 to 20.
Begonia everblooming in winter
Typically, evergreen begonia is grown as an annual plant, but it can be moved indoors for the winter, where it will continue its lush flowering. In the fall, before frost sets in, the plants need to be dug up, planted in pots and sent indoors. Place it in a well-lit window, trim off excessively elongated and diseased shoots, remove faded inflorescences, water moderately and fertilize.
Diseases and pests
Begonias grown indoors or in greenhouses most often suffer from pest attacks. The main pests are scale insects, greenhouse aphids, scale insects, thrips, nematodes, and whiteflies. To combat them, use systemic insecticides, follow the instructions on the package.
Due to an incorrectly selected planting site (dampness) or excessive watering, damage to the following diseases occurs: gray rot, powdery mildew, ring or bacterial spotting. Treat the bushes with a fungicidal preparation.
Begonia everblooming in landscape design
Ever-blooming begonia in open ground is used to decorate flower beds, ridges, and create bright accents on the lawn, in border plantings, can be planted as a ground cover.
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The best varieties of evergreen begonia
Tall (up to 40 cm in height):
- Volumia is a variety that is resistant to heat and drought. Shoots and leaves are rich green. The flowers are snow-white, pinkish, deep pink, two-color.
- Stara - the aerial part is dark green, the inflorescences are medium in size, different colors.
- Baby Wing – green leaves, monochromatic or bicolor inflorescences.
- Lotto - stems and leaves of an emerald hue, large inflorescences, varied colors.
- Bada Boom - bronze-colored leaves. The variety is distinguished by early flowering, the inflorescences are simple, white, pink or bright red.
- Vision – dark green leaves, double inflorescences.
- Alba - rather spreading bushes, green leaves. The flowers are large and snow-white.
- Kathe Teisher - the diameter of the corollas is about 5 cm. The green leaves are edged with a burgundy stripe.
Medium-sized (height 25 cm):
- Bada Bing is notable for its deep green leaf blades with a thin white edge.
- Ambassador - green leaves with burgundy edges, flowers in white, pink, red or bicolor.
- Senator - inflorescences of various shades contrast with bronze leaves.
- Queen is truly a “royal” plant, the inflorescences are chic, double, snow-white, pink or red.
- Cocktail - red-brown leaves, simple inflorescences, white, red, pink.
Low-growing (up to 20 cm):
- Ray - the variety is resistant to changing weather conditions. Emerald leaves. The flowers are snow-white with a bright pink border.
- Eureka - leaves are green-bronze, the diameter of the inflorescences is 3.5 cm.
- Olomouc – compact inflorescences are decorated with snow-white flowers.
- Albert Martin - a crumb only 15 cm high. The leaf blades are green with a burgundy edge. About fifty purple flowers can be present on one bush at a time.
- Bella - leaves also with a reddish border. The flowers are dark pink.
- Bicola - bush height up to 15 cm. Green leaves, snow-white flowers with a pink border.
Ecology of agriculture: The Begoniev family has almost a thousand species, among which there are both indoor and garden varieties. Begonias are loved because they are quite unpretentious.
The Begoniev family has almost a thousand species, among which there are both indoor and garden varieties. Begonias are loved because they are quite unpretentious, although they are heat-loving plants.
Begonia everblooming is one of the most unpretentious species, and it can be grown both on the windowsill and in the garden. And it is called ever-blooming because of the continuous, profuse flowering, and in the garden such flowering lasts until the onset of cold weather.
Description of the plant
Ever-flowering begonia is a low, compact plant, the height of which is only 15 to 20 cm. The plant has succulent, fleshy stems and large, rounded, elongated leaves that lack symmetry. Leaf color can vary from light green to red-brown.
The flowers of this plant are not as attractive as the leaves; they are quite small and collected in branched inflorescences. Their color can be very diverse; there are plants with white, pink, red, purple, orange and bright crimson flowers. Blooming begonias are unusually decorative; when planted in the garden, they resemble a variegated and colorful carpet that pleases the eye until the coldest weather.
The seeds of ever-flowering begonia are quite small, usually brown in color.
Where and how to use
Quite often you can find ever-flowering begonia in flower beds; it is planted both in group plantings and as a continuous carpet using plants with different colors of leaves and flowers.
In addition, this type of begonia can be planted in street flowerpots or in pots on the balcony and room.
In group plantings, begonia is planted in the foreground, due to its short stature and large bushiness. There are times when this plant is used as a ground cover in compositions and site design, in which case it goes well with roses or lilies.
Since the plant tolerates partial shade conditions well, it can be planted in the shade of trees, creating a bright frame for the garden, or the plant can also be planted right around the trees themselves.
Conditions for successful cultivation
Ever-flowering begonia does not require special care, but if you want these plants to grow well and bloom profusely, you will have to follow certain rules of agricultural technology.
Location and placement in the garden or flower bed
The ideal place to plant this plant is sunny plot, but it is advisable that in the midday heat the plant should be protected from direct sunlight. Partial shade conditions are also suitable; begonia should not be planted completely in the shade, since due to lack of light the stems may begin to stretch and the flowers will become faded and inexpressive.
Location on the windowsill
A sunny window sill is suitable for begonia indoors, but I repeat, the plant should be shaded. In window sill conditions, straight Sun rays may leave burns on the leaves.
Soil requirements
Like most plants, begonias need loose, water- and breathable fertile soil. In addition, pay attention to the acidity of the soil; for begonia it should be slightly acidic. If you plant a plant on soil rich in alkali, the plant’s immunity is reduced and it may be damaged by chlorosis or other diseases and pests.
Watering
Plants are demanding on watering conditions, especially in areas with dry and hot summers. Watering is done in the morning or evening, preferably with soft, settled water. Plants should not be flooded, otherwise they may be damaged. different kinds rotten.
Top dressing
For good growth and abundant flowering, begonia should be fed once every two to three weeks. Any organic and mineral fertilizers for flowering plants are suitable for fertilizing.
Plants in winter
In the garden, evergreen begonia is grown as annual plant. If you want to grow it for several years, you should transplant the plants into pots and move them indoors before the onset of cold weather. On a well-chosen windowsill, with sufficient care, plants will continue to develop and bloom.
Begonia propagation
Begonia is propagated by growing it from seeds or cuttings.
Begonia evergreen growing from seeds
If you require large area plant with begonias, it is worth using seed propagation. The seeds of this plant are very small, and quite often they are sold in granules to facilitate the sowing process.
Sowing in pots
The most good time for sowing end of February - beginning of March. If you sow within this time frame, the plants will have time to become well established for planting in the ground.
The pots are first filled with a nutritious earthen mixture, after which it should be slightly moistened! After this, the seeds or seed pellets should be placed on upper layer soil and sprayed with a spray bottle. No need to sprinkle with substrate! Next, you need to create greenhouse conditions above the pot; to do this, just cover the pot plastic film, or glass. Now all that remains is to wait until the seeds germinate.
For successful germination, seeds need a temperature of at least 22°C. Periodically, the greenhouse should be opened and ventilated, this is necessary to prevent the seeds from molding.
The first shoots should appear in 15-20 days. When the seedlings produce 2-3 true leaves, they are ready for the first picking. But this picking should be done very carefully, since young plants are very fragile and delicate.
After picking, the air temperature should be slightly lowered to 18°C and watered a little less. When the threat of late frosts has passed, the plants can be transplanted into the ground.
Begonia everflowering propagation by cuttings
Begonia can also be propagated by cuttings. To obtain cuttings, the plant is pruned at the beginning of March, quite short.
This pruning is considered healthy and everything that was cut can be thrown away, since during the winter the plant usually stretches due to lack of light, and the cuttings will turn out weak.
After pruning, the bush begins to be fertilized and watered, the main thing is to do this regularly. After some time, the bush will release young strong shoots. These will be the cuttings. The shoots are cut off and immediately planted in the mother liquor; often the mother liquor is an ordinary planting pot.
Also useful:
The soil is mixed 1/1 with sand. After a while, when new young leaves appear on the bushes, the plant can be considered rooted. Now they can be transplanted into the soil to a permanent place. The main thing in such germination is to observe temperature regime within the range from 20 to 22°C. Transplantation into the ground should be carried out when the threat of late spring frosts has passed. Published
