Surefire® Rose Begonia

Light Needs

Full Shade to Full Sun

(Can Grow In Most Sunlight Conditions)

Mature Height

1-2 Feet

Mature Spread

1.5-2 Feet

Dozens of cheerful rosy pink blooms adorn this upright frost sensitive perennial that is grown as an annual in most regions. Asymmetrical bronze almost black leaves with a glossy sheen accent the bright blooms creating a stunning visual addition to your garden landscape. Full sun or shade, or halfway in between, it delivers a strong presence all summer long. Belonging to the semperflorens family, common name wax begonia, B. benariensis will provide color for you all summer long.

Begonias are native to tropical and subtropical regions in South and Central America, Africa and Asia. They are perennial in Zones 10a through 11b and are grown as a long lasting annual in Zones 3-9 to great advantage. They are capable of surviving mild winters in some regions that experience warmer than average temperatures, but plan on using them as annuals in most areas for best performance. Healthy plants can be lifted in the fall before frost and brought indoors for winter long blooms.

Surefire® Rose Begonia Care

Begonias love bright shade, and will tolerate full shade although flowering will slow. In their native habitat these are understory plants, catching the bright filtered sun and frequent moisture from the trees above. Well drained soil, pH 5.5 to 5.8, rich in organic matter is preferred. Amend poor soil with organic compost to improve filtration and feed the plant. A light application of fertilizer, like a 10-10-10, will be appreciated as this plant continues to crank out blooms all summer long. Do not allow ground to become soggy as this will promote root rot. If possible, water the soil and not the plant to reduce chances of fungal diseases forming.

Deadheading is not needed with this improved hybrid as spent blooms will drop off allowing new ones to form. Pinching back when first established will promote branching and additional blooms. Pruning is generally not needed unless it is to remove yellowed leaves or to give it a quick shape up. This annual tolerates being planted near black walnut, and is generally not attractive to rabbits. As a houseplant, provide it adequate moisture in the form of a pebble tray below your planter for best results.

Surefire® Rose Begonia Spacing

Since this is a larger upright plant, spacing the plants properly is important for healthy growth. Topping out at about 24 inches and spreading out 24 inches, give this beauty 12 to 18 inches of room between plants. This will allow them to fill in beautifully and remain healthy. Pair these beautiful all season bloomers with caladium, euphorbia, petunia, heuchera, solenostemon and ipomoea for an outstanding contrast of colors, leaf sizes and textures.

SKU:

BERSSP