Q. Last year you recommended begonias as a substitute for impatiens as they were perennials. I purchased fibrous begonias which I find are annuals. A. Annual begonias have names such as wax, fibrous, semperflorens or bedding begonias which all mean the same thing. They are small mound-like plants used for borders, grow about 1 foot tall and come in red, pink and white. They usually last the entire winter dry season from October to May, can take sun or shade and do not have special excessive watering requirements like impatiens.
Perennial begonias come in several classes and are permanent.
The rhizomatous begonias have creeping roots, showy foliage and white to pink blooms. They flower mostly in winter and spring. The cane type begonias bloom all year on arching canes and can reach 4-6 feet tall. They are troubled by nematodes but are most enjoyable while you have them. Shrub type begonias also bloom most of the year in pink, red, and white.