in bloom
now
through Oct
Bloom calendar
Begonia × semperflorens-cultorum
Semperflorens Cultorum Group
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Semperflorens Cultorum Group
- Height × spread: 6-12 in × 6-12 in (15-30 cm × 15-30 cm)
- Bloom window: May to October
- Color & flower form: White to pink to red; single or double
- Fragrance: 0 none
- USDA hardiness: grown as annual in most of North America; perennial in zones 10-11
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown
- Pet safety: avoid
How it differs
- More sun‑tolerant than many begonias when moisture is consistent.
- Compact, fibrous‑rooted plants rather than tuberous or rhizomatous forms.
- Flowers continuously without routine deadheading.
- Bronze‑leaf cultivars handle brighter sites better than green‑leaf types.
Strengths
- Dependable bedding annual with season‑long color.
- Adapts to sun to part shade with adequate moisture.
- Neat, low habit for edging and containers.
Care in one minute
Site: morning sun to part shade; give afternoon shade in hot summer regions.
Light: full sun to part shade; bronze‑leaf types take more sun.
Soil and pH: rich, well‑drained, slightly acidic to neutral potting or garden soil.
Water: keep evenly moist; avoid waterlogging.
Feeding: light, regular feeding during active growth.
Grooming: pinching can thicken plants; deadheading usually unnecessary.
Overwintering: treat as annual outdoors except in zones 10-11.
Watch‑outs
- Frost tender; even light freezes will damage plants.
- Can scorch in hot afternoon sun, especially green‑leaf forms.
- Prone to botrytis or powdery mildew in humid, stagnant air.
- Root and stem rot possible in poorly drained soils.
Best uses (tags)
Provenance note
A long‑cultivated horticultural group derived from several South American species and selected for bedding since the late 19th century.
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden – Begonia (Semperflorens Cultorum Group)
- Clemson HGIC – Begonia
- Illinois Extension – Wax Begonia
- ASPCA – Begonia (toxicity)
