Wax begonias (Begonia semperflorens-cultorum) are popular cultivated plants. They are a common choice for garden beds and containers due to their consistent appeal. The “wax” designation specifically distinguishes this group from other begonia types. They are widely used as vibrant bedding plants throughout their various growing seasons.
Defining Physical Traits
Wax begonias have distinct foliage with a glossy, succulent, and waxy texture, which gives them their common name. Leaves are typically rounded to oval, contributing to the plant’s dense appearance. Foliage color ranges from bright green to deep bronze, with some varieties exhibiting reddish undersides or margins.
Flowers typically emerge in clusters above the foliage. These blooms are generally small, up to 1 or 2 inches across, and can be single or double-petaled. Common colors include shades of white, pink, and red. Their abundance ensures continuous color from spring until the first frost. The plant’s stems are succulent and often have a reddish tint, contributing to its robust appearance.
Growth Habits and Plant Form
Wax begonias generally exhibit a compact, mounding growth habit, typically reaching 6 to 12 inches in height and spread. Some hybrid varieties can grow larger, up to 24 inches tall. Their dense, bushy form suits them for mass plantings, borders, or container arrangements.
Classified as tender perennials, they can persist for more than one growing season in warm climates. In cooler regions with frost, they are cultivated as annuals. They bloom continuously from late spring until the first frost.
Environmental Adaptability
Wax begonias adapt to a range of light conditions. Some varieties, especially those with bronze leaves, tolerate full sun, but most perform well in partial shade. This allows them to thrive in various garden exposures, from bright, filtered light to shadier areas.
Their succulent leaves and stems provide tolerance to drier conditions compared to many other flowering plants. While they prefer consistently moist soil, their fleshy structure helps reduce water loss, allowing them to withstand short periods of drought. Wax begonias also tolerate heat and humidity, maintaining their display even during hot summer months. They are hardy in USDA Zones 9 to 11. In colder zones, their sensitivity to frost necessitates cultivation as annuals.
Popular Varieties and Their Distinctions
Popular wax begonia varieties show distinctions in leaf color, flower type, and plant size. Leaf colors vary, with some cultivars having bright green foliage and others darker bronze or reddish leaves. Bronze-leaved varieties often tolerate sunnier locations.
Flower characteristics also differ among varieties. While the common color palette remains white, pink, and red, some types produce single flowers with five petals, while others develop double blooms. Series like ‘Doublet’ are known for their double-flowered forms.
While generally compact, some cultivars vary in mature size. Hybrid series like ‘Big’ or ‘Whopper’ are known for their larger stature and robust growth compared to traditional wax begonias. These types often feature bigger leaves and flowers.