The fibrous begonias are also called wax begonias or bedding begonias. These are usually upright and only about 12-18in high with small single flowers in red, pink or white. They can also have dark “bronze” foliage, in addition to the ones with bright green foliage. These are usually treated as annuals.
The most common tuberous begonias are cascading and often grown in hanging baskets. These can grow quite large and usually have rather large flowers that can be both double and single on the same plant. The tuber of the begonias that I have seen is a rounded disk that reminds me of a large, hairy mushroom cap. These are tender plants that must not be allowed to freeze, but if dug up and stored in a cool place, they can be replanted the next spring. I have had cases where I have planted a begonia tuber myself, so I know that it was there, but then when I tried to dig it up in the fall, I couldn’t find it.
posted by John1Pa
about 1 month ago
Here's a good link on how to winter over begonias of all types, indoors, potted, etc.
view link
Thank you all for the responses. I'll be back more often when the wi-fi is back up and running.
We live in PA during the warm months but leave for the south in the fall. I'm taking the begonias and two amaryllis with us to Florida. In PA I would let the begonias die back and store for the winter, but is that necessary if they're going to FL to spend the winter? Can I just keep watering and feeding them or do they really need a rest period?
I need to get the amaryllis back on schedule also. Right now they're green and growing but small so I don't expect any blooms this winter. When do I let them die back and go dormant assuming that I want them to bloom next year for the Christmas season?
I'm hoping that these two types of plants will travel well and satisfy my green thumb yearning while away from home in PA.
Here are two links to begonia-in-Florida information. The first is more readable. The second is from an unimpeachable source--but dense, very dense :D
view linkview linkI'll see what I can find out about amaryllis.
I never have any luck wintering over amaryllis after the first lovely explosion of blooms. But, here's what I could find online. Maybe one of our southern members could tell you more.
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Lots of information to digest here. Some good reading material for Florida. I'll be holding the plants until I can sort this out. Thanks for the replies. Now I know the difference between the fibrous rooted and the tuberous rooted. Never knew that the wax begonias were of the fibrous rooted kind. Just never made the connection. Duh/
