Begonia Semperflorens Cultorum Group (S)

RHS Plant Profile
wax plant
wax plant RHS

Other common names

bedding begonia, wax begonia

Synonyms

Begonia × carrierei
Begonia
Begonia × semperflorens-cultorum hort.
Begonia semperflorens hort.

Bedding

Semperflorens Cultorum Group are fibrous-rooted, tender perennials grown as annuals, with fleshy, rounded, green or bronze leaves, and sprays of single or double, red, pink or white flowers from mid-summer into autumn

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full shade Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Begoniaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus
Begonia can be annuals, evergreen or deciduous perennials or shrubs, with fibrous, tuberous or rhizomatous roots and usually asymmetrical leaves, often strikingly patterned, and small or large flowers, both male and female in the same cluster
Name Status
Accepted
Horticultural Group
Semperflorens-Cultorum begonias are fibrous-rooted evergreen perennials, much used for summer bedding, with rounded, often attractively coloured leaves, and sprays of single or double flowers 1-2.5cm across in summer or throughout the year

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grows best in fertile, moist but well-drained, neutral to slightly acid soil in partial shade. See Begonias: outdoors for further advice.

Propagation

Propagate by seed, stem, tip or leaf cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Patio and container plants
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to caterpillars, mealy bugs, mites, glasshouse thrips, vine weevil and aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to grey moulds, powdery mildews, stem rot and rhizome rot