 The Best Begonia’s for Hanging Baskets
Tuberous Begonias are ideal in shady spots are the splendid
showstoppers with their huge double blooms in an array of dazzling
colors including shades of red, orange, pink and pure white. These
superb plants include varieties which grow erect and also cascading
types which are ideal for hanging baskets.
Tuberous begonias, like apricot shades, will easily cover the basket
if simply planted at the top and will look great. For an even prettier
and even more colorful display you can side plant the sides of your
Hanging basket or planter too. Odd numbers work best so plant 3 or 5
depending on the size of your basket / planter.
Trailing or scandent begonias also love the shade are ideally suited
to growing in baskets, hanging outside with protection from direct
sunlight.
Cane Begonias love morning to mid afternoon sun and also known as
'angel wing' begonias because of their distinctive larger leaf shape,
grow best where they can receive morning to mid afternoon sun.
 Bedding or 'Semperflorens' begonias will thrive in full sun are the
popular, hardy little fibrous-rooted plants, sold as seedlings in
punnets, which grow cheerfully in full sun and looking their best
planted in a mass. Patterns can be created by designing beds combining
different flower and leaf colors. Leaves can be bronze or green, while
flowers range from white to red.
Semperflorens bedding begonias can be planted at the top and sides of
a basket to create a fantastic ball of color
Copper-leaved varieties can be planted in full sun with no ill
effects. The Green-leaved varieties prefer partial sun.
Bedding begonias like regular fertilization (about every 2-3 weeks)
during their growing season. Because they are compact little plants,
plant your bedding begonias about 6 to 8 inches apart.
Helpful tips in growing your begonias in hanging baskets or planters.
Most problems with begonias involve watering, either too much or too
little. So only water when soil feels dry.
 Common problems are powdery mildew which is a dusty, grayish coating
on the leaves or botrytis a grayish-white mould on dead leaves which
spreads to living parts of the plant.
Water occasionally (in the morning hours) when the soil at the 6-inch
depth is dry. Begonias have few disease or insect issues.
Begonias are difficult to start from seed, so look for your bedding
begonia plants at area garden centers and nurseries.
Begonias are a versatile and easy to care for flowering plant. Their
constantly blooming foliage ranges in colors of red, pink, white, bronze
and variegated.
Three of our Favorite Begonias
Tuberous Begonias like 'Pink Profusion, Red Cascade or White
Chantilly.
We just love them all. Pink Profusion is brilliant pink. These blooms
have been described as “so spunky that they'll make your whole landscape
get up and dance”.
Add 3-5 hanging baskets or planters of begonias to a shady porch or on
the limbs of a leafy tree for sensational color all summer long
 Red Dragon Wing
Maintenance free and fast growing. The Dragon Wing begonia is a good
choice for hanging baskets and planters. Producing large blooms in
vibrant pinks and reds, The Dragon Begonia does well in the summer heat.
Fragrant Brazilian Heart or Scandent Begonia is classified as
trailing and has heart-shaped green leaves are about two inches in
length on trailing stems.
Heavy clusters of white flowers dangle covering the plant. The
centers of the flowers are red, hence the common name of "Brazilian
heart."
Fragrant flowers are plentiful all spring and into the summer.
For more on wax begonias click here.
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