The begonia family is diverse, with thousands of different varieties. Native to the tropical regions of the Americas and Asia, they come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors. Begonias are mostly succulent perennials, which means the plants have the capacity to store water in their stems, leaves and flowers. Varieties include plants with tubers, roots, rhizomes and canes. While most begonias are added to the garden for their colorful flowers, many varieties are also cherished for their beautiful, ornamental foliage.
Begonias can be quite easy to grow ” just ask Evelyn Weidner of Weidner’s Gardens in Encinitas. Evelyn has been growing begonias for more than 38 years, and her nursery is filled with a multitude of colorful begonias, fuchsias and impatiens, just to name a few. Tuberous begonias are one of Evelyn’s favorites. The giant-flower variety has large, showy blossoms that can measure 6 inches across. Tuberous begonias have a long blooming cycle that lasts in our temperate climate from April to September. The flowers are even edible and come in every shade imaginable except blue and green, with many colors so bright they look iridescent.
Tuberous begonias prefer to grow in shady areas and are perfect choices for containers and hanging baskets. Along our coast, they can tolerate morning and late afternoon sun, but in warmer, dry regions, they require more shade and an occasional misting. Along the coast, when the dry Santa Ana winds blow in, your begonias will appreciate a little misting, and their soil should be kept slightly moist. If planted in the ground, they prefer light soil and caution should be taken to make sure the soil is amended to make it light and well-drained. Tuberous begonias are suited to containers and hanging baskets, and a standard potting soil with some pearlite is perfect for them. While these begonias prefer slightly moist soil, the key word is “slightly” and not soggy, since overwatering will kill them.
During their blooming season, a feeding twice a month with a balanced fertilizer will keep your plants in full, glorious bloom. Weidner’s sells its nursery mix or you can try some of the organic products on the market. In the fall, you will need to let your tuberous begonias rest, so it is time to withhold food and water. I cut the flowers off, move them into a sheltered, shady area and let them rest. Do not cut the foliage back, as it needs to go back into the tuber for the next season’s blooms. In the early spring, I move my containers back onto the patio and begin the twice-monthly feedings.
If you want to learn more about begonias, stop by Weidner’s Gardens. The nursery offers informal classes on care and propagation, and there is an area where you can dig your own begonias. This time of year, the nursery is in full bloom, and their hanging baskets are some of the most beautiful available. Weidner’s Gardens is located in Encinitas at 695 Normandy Road, just off the Leucadia Boulevard exit. Call (760) 436-2194 or visit their informative Web site, www.Weidners.com.
” Linda Marrone is a local Realtor with Coldwell Banker who specializes in historic and architecturally designed homes. She is a co-founder of the Secret Garden Tour and enjoys working in her historic La Jolla garden (featured on the 2001 garden tour) every chance she gets. Voicemail: (858) 456-3224 or www.LindaMarrone.com.