Dragon Wing Begonias are popular plants, known for their continuous, vibrant blooms and robust growth. Their glossy, angel-wing-shaped foliage provides an attractive backdrop for cascades of red or pink flowers, making them a choice for garden beds, containers, and hanging baskets. These hybrid begonias add a lush, tropical aesthetic to outdoor spaces.
Understanding Dragon Wing Begonias: Perennial or Annual?
Dragon Wing Begonias are classified as “tender perennials.” They are perennial plants in climates with consistently warm, frost-free temperatures, specifically USDA Hardiness Zones 9, 10, and 11. In these warmer regions, established plants can re-emerge in spring even if they freeze back to the ground during mild winters.
In most temperate climates with colder winters, Dragon Wing Begonias cannot tolerate freezing temperatures below 55°F. Therefore, outside of USDA Zones 9-11, they are commonly cultivated as annuals, planted for a single season and discarded before the first hard frost. Gardeners in colder zones who wish to keep their plants year after year must bring them indoors for winter protection.
Growing Dragon Wing Begonias as Annuals
When grown as annuals, Dragon Wing Begonias thrive in partial to full shade, though some varieties tolerate more sun if protected from intense afternoon heat. Plant after the last spring frost in rich, well-draining soil amended with compost or manure.
These plants appreciate consistent moisture throughout the growing season, so regular watering is important to prevent them from drying out. However, the soil should not become waterlogged, as this can lead to issues like root rot. Applying a balanced, organic fertilizer every four weeks or a diluted liquid fertilizer weekly can support their continuous blooming from late spring until frost. Dragon Wing Begonias are self-cleaning and generally do not require deadheading, simplifying their maintenance.
Overwintering Dragon Wing Begonias
For gardeners in colder climates, overwintering Dragon Wing Begonias indoors is an option. Bring plants inside before the first frost, typically when outdoor temperatures consistently fall below 55°F. Before moving them, inspect thoroughly for pests and prune foliage by about one-third to manage size and reduce pest risk.
Once inside, Dragon Wing Begonias require a location with bright, indirect light to continue their growth, as they do not go dormant. A cool location with reduced watering is recommended, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. While they can tolerate some dryness, they should not be allowed to become completely dry. Maintaining some humidity, possibly with a pebble tray, can also be beneficial, as indoor air tends to be drier during winter.
Caring for Overwintered Dragon Wing Begonias
As spring approaches and the threat of frost diminishes, overwintered Dragon Wing Begonias can be gradually reintroduced to outdoor conditions. This process, known as hardening off, involves slowly acclimating the plants to the harsher outdoor environment over a period of seven to fourteen days. Initially, place them outdoors in a sheltered, shaded spot for a few hours each day, gradually increasing their exposure to sunlight and wind. This helps prevent shock and leaf scorch.
Once hardened off, the plants can be moved to their desired outdoor locations, whether in containers or garden beds. Resume a regular watering schedule, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not saturated. Begin fertilizing again with a balanced liquid feed or a slow-release granular product to support new growth and flower production. Any necessary repotting can be done at this time, moving the plants into larger containers if their root system has become too dense.