| Begonias have been a popular bedding plant for many years. This mainstay in the garden has many different forms and uses. Certain varieties work best in specific locations. To help you choose the best variety for your garden, I recommend the following guidelines:
Fibrous (Begonia x semperflorens), F-1 Hybrids. This form of Begonia is available in green or bronze leaf, in a full compliment of reds, pinks and white. This compact mounded plant has medium size flowers that bloom continuously all summer and thrive in the worst of conditions. They perform best in full sun to partial shade in non-specific soil types.
Tuberous (Begonia x tuberhybrida), F-1 Hybrids. Best known for their masses of large double flowers-- 2 - 21/2"! They are a favorite for baskets and containers in shaded areas. Continue to water throughout the season with a blossom-booster fertilizer. Be careful not to over water these beauties, they don’t like wet feet!
Spectrum also known as hiemalis or Reiger Begonia. These flowers have vibrant colors and qualities of both fibrous and tuberous. They produce masses of 1 - 11/2" flowers that overflow in baskets and containers indoors and out. It prefers partial sun to light shade in well drained soil.
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