Flowering begonias, also known as Rieger begonias, are beautiful flowering winter plants with creamy blooms in bright yellows, reds, pinks and even white. They are fast-growing, and typically bred to bloom during the winter season and sold as disposable plants; the idea is to enjoy the bloom and throw them out after the season is over. But you needn’t follow this rule: You can grow Rieger begonias year-round and enjoy their blooms next fall.
- Arrives in a 6" wide basket, decorative metal or similar planter
- Dimensions: 15" H x 12" W
- Available in pink, hot pink, red, peach, white, and yellow - select preferred color choice - limited to local availability.
- Designer's choice will select the best plant available from stock on hand.
Care
The original plant was a cross between a standard wax begonia and a tuberous begonia, and has since evolved into a thriving category of its own. They are also sometimes called elatior begonias, although this is the same plant as the Rieger begonia. Today, the flower variety is achieved by crossing existing hybrids with each other and standardizing for color.
The main joy of a Rieger begonia is its lovely flowers, so look for new plants with lots of unopened, tight and healthy buds. Never let your Rieger begonia sit in water or spray the leaves directly with water. Both of these can encourage diseases that will kill the plant.
Light
Rieger begonias need bright, indirect light year-round. They are photoperiod bloomers, meaning the bloom is stimulated by the number of hours of light they receive.
Watering
Keep the top 1/2 inch of your Rieger begonia dry between waterings.
