Breeders are developing newer and flashier hybrids of this old favorite. Rex begonias are the queens of color. The striking foliage is complex in pattern, texture and color, and includes deep, intense greens edged with bright reds and sparkled with silver. They can be trickier than most other begonias - try to maintain them at an evenly warm temperature, let the soil dry slightly between waterings and increase the humidity, if possible. Their green leaves are the perfect backdrop to set off their showy flowers.
Tuberous begonias like to go dormant in the winter.
Store the tubers in dry vermiculite or peat and pot them up again in the spring. Join us in the month of January when we'll feature many types of begonias in our greenhouses. Plan to attend our free classes on growing orchids, begonias and other houseplants and dish gardens in January and February. Also, check out our comprehensive Spring Seminar Schedule for more informative presentations on both indoor and outdoor gardening.