WAX BEGONIA Facts

COLORS

White, pink, red, bicolors

LIGHT

Partial shade to sun

SOIL

Rich, well drained

WATER

When soil becomes dry

pH

5.5 to 6.0

HARDINESS

Cannot tolerate frost; a warm weather flower

USES

Edgings, beds, containers

TIP

Red-leafed types are more tolerant of sun.  Green-leafed types prefer partial shade.

WAX BEGONIAS

The large begonia family includes several tropical houseplants and tuberous begonias, as well as tough and adaptable summer annuals that go by the name of wax begonia. Wax begonias or fibrous-rooted begonias are small plants that grow only 5 to 12 inches tall. They are ideal for edging walkways or planting along the front of a large flowerbed. They are also great for mixing with other annuals in large containers or filling the pockets of a strawberry jar. Plant wax begonias in spring after the last frost and they will bloom until cold weather arrives.

Plant wax begonias in spring after the last frost and they will bloom until cold weather arrives.

FERTILIZING WAX BEGONIAS

Wax begonias grow best when they receive a constant supply of nutrients. Plant them in well-drained soil that has been enriched with organic matter so that it holds moisture and nutrients well. Cultivate the planting site at least 8 inches deep and mix in a 2-inch deep layer of flower planting mix, compost, or other type of organic matter and mix in Vigoro® Timed-Release Flower and Vegetable Plant Food. Once plants are established, fertilize with Vigoro^® Water Soluble Bloom Builder Plant Food, which helps the plants develop extensive roots.

In climates where the growing season is longer than 3 months, fertilize begonias again in early summer with Vigoro® Timed-Release Flower and Vegetable Plant Food  to sustain their growth until frost. Sprinkle this "booster feeding" onto the soil between the plants and water well. Later in summer, trim back old stems that may have grown leggy and refresh the mulch with new material.

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