To Plant An Entire Garden Based On Begonia Flowers

Begonia flowers are chiefly found in Central and South America, although a few are native to other tropical and subtropical regions. They large group of succulent herbs, shrubs, and vines and will usually grow compact, dense foliage, and grow about 6-9 inches tall.

There are three types of Begonias: Tuberous, Semperflorens, and the uncommon Perennials. The Semperflorens are by far the most common. They include Fibrous Begonias, Wax Begonias and Everblooming Begonias. Depending upon type, one can find red, white, pink, or yellow varieties.
The begonia flower is sometimes thought to represent fear, and when given to another person, some people believe that it is a warning to beware. On the other hand, it typically represents a person with a dreamy, almost innocent nature. As a gift, these are often presented to creative individuals and children because of their fanciful symbolism and their simple, unsullied beauty. These flowers can be given in the traditional bouquet, as a single flower, or within a hanging basket. However, for a more unique twist, you can easily create an origami begonia leaf and pin it to either a single flower, or place it at the center of a small bundle of blossoms.

The Begonia genus is very large and includes upwards of 1,500 species. It is a member of the Begonicaea family, and therefore is closely related to the other member of this genus Hillebrandia; this genus only includes one plant (Hillebrandia sandwicensis) and has the local Hawaiian name of Pua Maka Nui.

Begonia are herbaceous in nature and are native to South Asia, Africa, and Central and Southern America. They usually have large asymmetric leaves that may have markings and are often variegated with some species having many different colors. One of the interesting things about Begonia is that they are monoecious, and therefore have different male and female flowers on the same plant.

Begonia plant species are divided broadly into different categories, with each type having distinct root systems, stems, foliage and flowers.

Canes: This type has the most spectacular flower show and the maximum number of colors too. The variety in it can have very large leaves; up to 14 inches. The flowers are borne in large clusters and do quite well as both indoor and outdoor plants.

Shrubs: The multi-stemmed, shrub variety is grown for its ease of growing, beautifully shaped green leaves and quick growth. Some within this variety bear small white, pink or red flowers. The shrubs can be miniatures or nearly ten feet tall.

Scandent: This is a trailer variety, with some having the ability to climb upwards like a creeper. The trailers bear large flowers in smaller clusters. Their roots tend to hold on to trees, rocks and walls for support as they climb or trail.

Thick Stemmed: Not a very popular species among the begonia genus, these thick stemmed varieties don't branch much but shoot up new growth from the base. The leaves tend to shed, making this variety an unusual plant to have. New hybrids have stems that range in colors of green to a brown to even a cream.

Rex: Rex begonia are grown more for their foliage that comes in different shapes, sizes, patterns and vivid colors. It does bear flowers but they are quite inconsequential. The foliage needs lots of care as temperature and other environmental conditions can dampen their foliage show.

Tuberous: The tuberous variety is very popular as they can be started each season with ease and the availability too is not an issue. Some in this type are grown for their small to large flowers, while some for foliage. The tuberous variety can be of a trailing type or sturdy upright plants.

Semperfloren: A widely grown begonia, Semperfloren can be treated as annuals as well as perennial shrubs. The leaves come in colors of green bronze and in some variegated variety, white. The flowers too come in shades and hues of red and pink, and white.

Rhizomatous: Rhizomatous begonia offer an endless variety of leaf shape, color and texture, with a huge flower display that in some varieties bloom only in the spring, while some bloom all yearlong. Their rhizomes do not go deep in the ground, but spread along it.

If you are wondering how to care for begonia plants, just leaf through begonia care. With so many options it should not be difficult to plant an entire garden based on begonia plants.