Tuberous Begonias are one of the most popular long-blooming bulbs out there. Vibrant, eye-catching and versatile in their use, Begonias are perfect for those who are looking for a pop of color in their gardening, or for those who need a plant that thrives in partial or fully shaded areas. With varieties ranging from grandifloras to rhizomatous, wax and Tuberous Begonias, each flower offers something special for every type of gardener.
Begonia and Begonias tuberhybrida: Family & Plant Type
The Begonia genus belongs to the family of Begoniaceae, a family of both monoecious and dioecious flowering plants with ca. 1,800 species. Some of the other well-known plants in this family include Turkish toadflax (Linaria), Nierembergia and Browallia.
Tuberous Begonias are classified as perennials, using their rhizomatous root structures to survive the harsh winters. However, due to their sensitivity to cold temperatures, they are usually grown as annuals and replaced each year in-keeping with the changing of the seasons.
Mature Size & Sun Exposure
The mature size of Tuberous Begonias varies from species to species, but on average they can reach heights of between 4 and 12 inches (10 to 30 centimeters) in height. Generally they’re a modestly large plant, and can spread out up to 14 inches (35 cm) in diameter.
Tuberous Begonia’s prefer partial shade, away from the scorching midday sun, but they will still thrive and bloom in bright light as well. Ideally, it would be beneficial to have an area with some shade for them to take refuge.
Soil Type & Soil pH
When it comes to the soil type, Tuberous Begonias thrive in an acidic soil, with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. It’s important to mix in some compost or other rich organic matter to aid leaf and flower growth. The soils need to be rich in nitrogen, too, as this will help ensure healthy growth for the Begonias.
Bloom Time & Flower Color
Tuberous Begonias bloom seasonally and can add life and color to your garden throughout the summer and into the early autumn months. With blooms appearing in May and lasting until September, they are certainly worth the wait.
The flower color of the Tuberous Begonia is easily the highlight feature of this special flower. Blooming with a myriad of vibrant colors and combinations of hues, they add beauty, color, and style to any environment. The range of the Petunia family’s colors is broad, going from a subtle, modest white to exotic shades of yellow, orange, pink, and even purple.
Hardiness Zones & Native Area
Tuberous Begonias are hardy in zones 10 through 11. As for their native area, most of the Begonias naturely occur in Central and South America, which is where their almost perfect climate, moderate temperatures and consistently damp soil makes them stand out.
Common Pests and Diseases
Tuberous Begonias are subject to various pests and diseases that gardeners must be aware of when they’re planting, growing and blooming.
The most common pests that affect these flowers are aphids, mealybugs and whiteflies. Maintaining an appropriate air circulation and good levels of fertilization is essential to keeping these pests at bay.
Common diseases can include verticillium wilt, pythium root rot, powdery mildew and leafspot. To avoid problems, it’s important to keep the roots and soil adequately moist, check for signs of disease regularly, and ensure there’s plenty of air circulation, too.
How to Plant and Grow Tuberous Begonia
Growing Tuberous Begonias is quite simple, but there are some specific requirements that must be met in order to guarantee the healthiest and most successful blooms.
Light and Heat Requirements: Tuberous Begonias thrive best in partial and indirect sunlight, as opposed to full sun exposure. Although they can stand partial shade, they need between 3 to 5 hours of direct sunlight each day to remain healthy and achieve their peak flowering season. Mild temperatures, between 65 and 75F (12°C to 25°C) are ideal for these plants.
Soil & Water Requirements: The soil should remain evenly moist at all times, but be careful not to saturate it too often, as the roots tend to rot easily.
Fertilization Requirements: Fertilization should be done regularly but only within the recommended concentration for Begonias, typically high in phosphorus to ensure fantastic blooms.
When planting, make sure that the tuberous rhizome is buried 2 to 5-inches deep, in the soill and 36” to 48” apart from other Begonia plants. After planting, gently water the plant to get it off to a good start, and when the shoot starts to appear it’s a sign that the plant is happy with the environment and physiology.
How to Pot and Repot Tuberous Begonia
To pot and repot Tuberous Begonias, make sure to select a container that’s deep and wide enough to give the root system plenty of room to grow. In general, the wider the better. Depending on the size of the tuberous rhizome you want to use, the container size can vary between 8” and 12”.
When adding soil to the pot, make sure to use the same type of soil mentioned before, somewhat rich in nitrogen, with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Repotting should be done in early spring, as soon as the shoots start to appear and the bulbs are ready for a new season outside.
How to Prune Tuberous Begonia
Tuberous Begonias require regular pruning to remain healthy and productive.
For best results, pruning should be done in early summer to prevent damage from cold weather. Once the crop starts to bloom, start removing dead and faded flowers by simply taking them off the stem. This process can be repeated several times throughout the season, to maintain health and promote abundant blooms.
In addition to deadheading, it’s important to thin out some of the spent blooms to create more breathing room for the new ones. Doing this will allow more energy and nutrients to be distributed evenly and promote new and better blooms throughout the season.
How to Propagate Tuberous Begonia
Propagating Tuberous Begonias is an easy process that can be achieved with a few simple steps. Tuberous Begonia propagation can be done either by seed or by division.
Propagating by Seed: Tuberous Begonias can be sown indoors, 6-8 weeks before the last expected date of cold frost. Generally, they are sowed in a seed starting soil mix and need constant moisture and warmth in order to germinate properly. After they start producing leaves, transfer them to small pots and allow them to mature, before transferring the Begonia to its permanent home.
Propagating by Division: Begonias can also be divided, which is done by separating the rhizomes and planting them in separate containers into an appropriate soil mix. After dividing the rhizomes, allow a week or so for the cut to heal, then plant them. Make sure to plant them in a warm but shady spot and keep the soil in moist conditions at all times.
Meaning and Symbolism of Tuberous Begonia
The Begonias tuberhybrida flower has an interesting and unique meaning and symbolism, quite apt for its vibrant and exotic looks. This flower stands for caution and is also associated with early childhood memories. Likewise, it’s been said that these blooms also serve as a reminder of how precious life is and how we should never take it for granted.
At the same time, the Tuberous Begonia signifies good luck and protection, while some also say that it stands for knowledge and access to higher realms of understanding. The shape of the flowers has also been used to represent the eye and in some philosophies stands for universal awareness.
History, Mythology, and Religious Significance
Tuberous Begonias have a long and interesting history, which has been linked to mythology, religious symbolism, superstitions, and beliefs from all around the world.
Historically, the flower has featured prominently in the horticultural arts in Europe and Asia. For example, it has been used in Moorish gardens and 16th century Italian masterpieces, too.
In some parts of the world, it’s believed that the blooms of the Tuberous Begonia are associated with the sun, the symbol for growth and the ultimate representation of energy, life, and warmth.
In some other cultures, the Tuberous Begonia has been seen as a symbol of fertility and potency, due to its natural abundance of blooms.
In certain religious ceremonies, this flower has been used as an offering, carried to represent purification and protection. It’s also believed that by keeping Tuberous Begonias in the home, the lords of good will keep evil forces away.
Tuberous Begonia Varieties & Their Defining Characteristics
The Tubby Tuberous Begonia is a hybrid variety that has a vigorous growth, with larger and exaggerated blooms. Its beautiful single bloom flowers come in colors of pure white, baby pink, and cherry red, depending on the plant type.
The Nonstop Tuberous Begonia produces an abundance of 2” wide double, semi-double or single blooms throughout summer. It has a compact bushy growing structure, with rich-colored flowers on the medium-sized leaves. This variety is ideal for flower beds, walls, tubs, and window boxes.
Electra Tuberous Begonia stands out from the crowd with its unique deep yellow colors, adding an exotic and tropical splash of color your garden. It’s also one of the hardiest varieties, producing a lot of blooms even in full shade. This variety grows best in containers, mixing it with other bright-colored flowers.
The Festival Frills Tuberous Begonia is a classic variety boasting a superb array of colors, featuring both single and double-bloomed varieties. Its flowers bloom throughout the summer season and contrast nicely with the bright-green leaves. These Begonias also give a wonderful floral display if grown in a shaded position.
The Petunia Variety is a unique variety with its classic bell-shaped flowers and vibrant colors. It produces large clusters of blooms and doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. Its varieties come in colors such as white, yellow, pink, and purple.
Table Fact Sheet: Tuberous Begonia
| Begonia | Begonias tuberhybrida |
|---|---|
| Family | Begoniaceae |
| Plant Type | Perennial |
| Mature Size | 4 to 12 inches (10 to 30 cm) |
| Sun Exposure | Partial shade and sunlight |
| Soil Type | Rich in nitrogen and acidic pH |
| Soil pH | 5.5 to 6.5 |
| Bloom Time | May to September |
| Flower Color | White, yellow, pink and purple |
| Hardiness Zones | 10 to 11 |
| Native Area | Central and South America |
Frequently Asked Questions about Tuberous Begonia
Q: Is it OK to leave Tuberous Begonias outside for the winter?
A: No. Tuberous Begonias are sensitive to cold weather and tend to suffer in below freezing temperatures, so it’s best not to leave them outside during the winter. The best way to keep them is to dry them, store them in a warm and dry place, and re-plant them in the springtime.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Tuberous Begonia?
A: Fertilizing should be done on a regular basis
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