SCIENTIFIC NAME: Begonia semperflorens-cultorum

COMMON NAME: Wax begonia, fibrous-rooted begonia

FAMILY: Begoniaceae

TYPE: annual

LEAVES: alternate, typically broadly ovate, 2"-4" long, finely serrulate with ciliate margins; attractive glossy green, bronze, red, or green with white variegation

FLOWER: single or double, in axillary clusters; red, pink, white

SEASON OF BLOOM: perpetual bloom from spring to fall

GROWTH HABIT: 6" to 16", rounded, dense

SOIL: well drained, moist soil essential if in full sun; drought and heat tolerant

SUN: shade to full sun (darker foliage cultivars usually more tolerant of full sun); best appearance for most in part shade, especially from afternoon sun

UTILIZATION: outstanding bedding plant for color from flowers and foliage; great for mass planting, containers, edging, indoor planters

DISEASES: When kept too moist, botrytis, leaf spot, stem rot, and powdery mildew; none serious when irrigated correctly

INSECTS AND RELATED PESTS: few

PROPAGATION: seed, leaf and stem cuttings in spring or summer

MAINTENANCE: low, deadheading not required, responds well to pruning

NOTES: Bronze foliage cultivars (Bingo, Cocktail Party) perform slightly better in full sun than green foliage cultivars (Prelude and Olympic).