Begonia (Begonia × benariensis BIG SERIES)
The Begonia × benariensis BIG SERIES offers robust, low-maintenance annual color. This versatile Begonia thrives in heat.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Begonia × benariensis BIG SERIES is an exceptionally popular, recently developed hybrid wax Begonia, highly valued in landscapes for its vigorous growth and reliability. These compact, mounded plants feature tough, waxy leaves in dark green or bronze tones, creating a sturdy backdrop for abundant blooms. As a fibrous-rooted tender perennial, this Begonia excels as an annual throughout most of the country, notably tolerating hot and humid summer conditions effortlessly. Gardeners appreciate the BIG SERIES for its early and continuous flowering performance from May until the first frost, making it a foundational choice for seasonal color displays.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Begoniaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 10-11
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-1.5 ft
- Spread: 1-1.5 ft
- Bloom Time: May to frost
- Bloom Description: Red to rose
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Planting should occur after the danger of the last frost has passed, whether you are using purchased starter plants or overwintered cuttings. Begonia × benariensis BIG SERIES thrives in average, moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soils. While it tolerates full sun, it prefers sun-dappled part shade, especially in hotter climates where a good mulch will help retain critical moisture. Proper spacing (12-15 inches) is essential to promote good air circulation, which helps mitigate potential fungal disease issues common to many plantings.
Consistent moisture is key throughout the growing season to keep this Begonia looking its best. Although its thick, waxy leaves offer some drought tolerance, routine watering ensures peak performance. Maintenance is generally low, requiring minimal deadheading. If growing as a container specimen, you may cut plants back in the fall and attempt to overwinter them indoors in a cool location with reduced watering.
For propagation, starting seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost is an option, though the very small seed size makes this challenging. Direct sowing seeds in the garden is not recommended. If overwintering, take cuttings from established plants for the following season.
Landscape Uses
The visual impact of the vigorous Begonia × benariensis BIG SERIES makes it invaluable for mass plantings, providing consistent coverage and color where annual bedding is desired. Plant them densely in beds or borders to create sweeping waves of color that anchor the landscape design until autumn. Their uniform, mounded habit makes them excellent edging plants along walkways or patios, neatly framing taller selections. Furthermore, these begonias perform beautifully in containers and window boxes, where their heat tolerance ensures they remain attractive throughout the summer months without significant fuss.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Begonia × benariensis is a hybrid wax begonia, recognized as an extremely popular Begonia variety frequently grown as an annual. It forms a compact, bushy mound supported by fibrous roots, featuring fleshy stems and tough, waxy leaves ranging from dark green to bronze. The BIG SERIES specifically consists of F1 hybrids noted for very early flowering, large blooms (up to 2 1/2 inches in diameter), and a vigorous growth pattern, reliably flowering from May to frost.
Tolerances
- Tolerates periods of drought due to waxy leaves
Potential Problems
This specific Begonia hybrid generally suffers from no serious, persistent insect or disease problems, which contributes to its low maintenance rating. However, vulnerability exists to common fungal and bacterial issues. Watch for susceptibility to bacterial leaf spot, powdery mildew, blight, and stem or crown rots, often exacerbated by poor air circulation or overly wet conditions. Minor pest pressures can include mealybugs and thrips; regular inspection, especially of container-grown plants, allows for early intervention if pests appear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Begonia suitable for?
The Begonia × benariensis BIG SERIES is winter hardy only in USDA Zones 10 and 11, and is best grown as a summer annual elsewhere.
How large does Begonia grow?
This plant typically reaches a height between 1 and 1.5 feet and spreads between 1 and 1.5 feet, forming a bushy, mounded shape.
What sun exposure does Begonia × benariensis BIG SERIES need?
It performs best in full sun to part shade conditions. Bronze-leaved varieties display greater tolerance for direct, intense sunlight.
When does Begonia bloom?
This variety reliably blooms from May straight through to the first frost, producing flowers described as red to rose.
Conclusion
The Begonia × benariensis BIG SERIES offers gardeners a highly reliable, low-maintenance source of consistent summer color, excelling even in challenging heat and humidity. Its tough foliage and abundant flowers make this Begonia tough to beat as an annual bedding plant. Before planting, confirm your local zone compatibility, or plan to treat these vigorous plants as seasonal stars that brighten landscapes from late spring through fall.
Companion Planting
When designing beds featuring the heat-tolerant Begonia × benariensis BIG SERIES, pair it with other plants that share similar needs for medium water and sun exposure. Consider using silvery foliage plants, such as sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas), to contrast sharply with the Begonia’s dark green or bronze leaves. Calibrachoa (Million Bells) also serves as an excellent, trailing companion in mixed containers, offering dense, colorful coverage beneath the upright habit of the Begonia. Always ensure that companion selections do not create overly dense planting pockets that inhibit the air circulation necessary for the Begonia’s health.
Propagation Tips
While these plants are often purchased as starter annuals, Begonia can be propagated via cuttings or seed. Due to the extremely fine nature of the seed, direct sowing outdoors is impractical; indoor seeding requires starting 6-8 weeks ahead of the last frost date. A more accessible method for preserving preferred types is taking cuttings from established plants in the late summer or fall. Once rooted, these cuttings can be overwintered indoors in a cool spot, kept relatively dry, and then hardened off to become robust starter plants for the following season.
