Hanging begonias offer vibrant color and lush foliage, ideal for outdoor patios, balconies, and indoor spaces. Their diverse forms and wide range of hues allow for creative arrangements. These plants cascade elegantly, providing continuous blooms throughout the growing season.
Popular Types of Hanging Begonias
Tuberous Trailing Begonias
Tuberous trailing begonias are known for their large, often camellia-like or rose-like flowers, which can reach several inches in diameter. These plants produce abundant blooms that cascade downwards in hanging baskets. Cultivars like ‘Illumination’ and ‘Nonstop Trailing’ are favored for their continuous flowering and robust growth. They prefer partial shade, as direct afternoon sun can scorch their petals and foliage.
Their blooms come in many colors, including reds, oranges, yellows, pinks, and whites, often with contrasting edges or centers. Foliage is typically dark green, sometimes with bronze undertones, providing a lush backdrop for the vibrant flowers. These begonias develop from a tuber, storing energy and allowing dormancy over winter in colder climates for spring regrowth.
Fibrous Trailing Begonias
Fibrous trailing begonias, often called wax begonias, are known for their continuous blooming and abundant, smaller flowers. Unlike tuberous types, they grow from a fibrous root system and do not form tubers. Varieties like ‘Dragon Wing’ and ‘Surefire’ are good choices for hanging baskets due to their mounding or trailing habits. Their glossy, often bronze or green foliage provides consistent visual interest.
They offer a consistent floral presence, with blooms typically in shades of red, pink, or white. Many fibrous types tolerate more sun than tuberous begonias, thriving in morning sun or bright, indirect light. Their resilience and steady performance make them a reliable option for various hanging displays.
Bolivian Begonias
Bolivian begonias are distinguished by their unique, often bell-shaped or elongated flowers that emerge in clusters. They have an airy, graceful trailing habit, ideal for adding a delicate touch to hanging arrangements. Cultivars like ‘Bonfire’ and ‘Santa Cruz Sunset’ are known for their orange or red blooms, which stand out against dark green foliage. The flowers often have a waxy texture, contributing to their durability.
These plants are noted for their heat tolerance, making them suitable for warmer climates where other begonia types might struggle. They maintain bloom production through extended summer heat. Bolivian begonias offer a distinctive aesthetic with their slender, often pendulous flowers that create a naturalistic cascade.
Choosing Your Hanging Begonia
Choosing a hanging begonia involves considering your growing environment and desired aesthetic. Available light is a primary factor, as different types have varying light needs. Observing sunlight patterns in your chosen location is a useful first step.
Consider the size, color, and shape of flowers you prefer, as these vary significantly among begonia types. The overall plant size and trailing habit should align with your hanging basket’s scale and the space it occupies. Finally, assess your commitment to maintenance, as some types may require more frequent attention.
General Care for Hanging Begonias
Proper watering is crucial for the health of hanging begonias, requiring a balanced approach to avoid drought and overwatering. Soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot. Ensure the hanging basket has adequate drainage holes. Watering frequency depends on environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and wind.
Hanging begonias thrive in bright, indirect light, promoting vigorous growth and abundant flowering without scorching leaves. While some varieties tolerate more sun, most prefer protection from intense afternoon rays. Regular fertilization with a balanced liquid fertilizer, every two to four weeks during the active growing season, supports continuous blooming and plant vigor. Deadheading spent flowers encourages new blooms and maintains a tidy appearance.