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Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Begonias

Begonias are one of my favorite annual flowers because they are so versatile.  They can be used in flowerbeds, hanging baskets, and as indoor plants.  They do equally well in shade as in full sun. 

Begonias are native to tropical regions like Hawaii, South America, and China.  In these places, the begonia is a perennial plant.  There are over 1500 species of begonias, making it one of the largest genus of flowering plants.  Begonias can be recognized by their waxy green or chocolate colored leaves.  Their flowers can be pink, white, red, or yellow.  All have bright yellow centers.

Begonias like rich, loose, well-drained soil.  Remove dead flowers, leaves, and stems.  If you give them a little care, they will bloom from spring to the first frost.  Begonias do not like frost.  Even a light one will kill them.  So, if you want to keep them alive from season to season, bring them indoors before the danger of frost. 

Propagation of begonias can be done either from seeds or from cuttings.  I personally prefer to go to the garden center and buy the seedlings, rather than start them from seeds.

If you don't have a green thumb, but would like to grow flowers, these are pretty easy.  I think you'll enjoy them.    

8 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. LOL! I was thinking of you when I wrote that it's a good plant even for people who don't have green thumbs.:)

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  2. My mother used to grow those flowers.

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    1. Mine, too. They're a very popular flower because of their versatility and ease of growing.

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  3. I've gone through a lot of begonias. They don't seem to like blazing Texas sun. But I have a friend who's backyard is shadier and her begonias are gorgeous. Thus I just go there and enjoy her patio view

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    1. That's too bad that the begonias don't like your pad. At least you can enjoy them at your friend's house.

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  4. these remind me of my late, great-granny.

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    Replies
    1. I bet her gardens looked really pretty with begonias in them.

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