Begonia (Begonia 'Canary Wing')
Begonia 'Canary Wing' is a stunning cane-like Begonia offering glossy, colorful foliage and seasonal red blooms. Ideal for containers.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Begonia ‘Canary Wing’ is an exceptional hybrid selection within the diverse Begonia genus, prized for its distinctive, glossy foliage that emerges golden yellow before maturing to chartreuse green. This cane-like cultivar offers significant ornamental value both in its appearance and its beautiful, pendulous clusters of red blooms appearing seasonally. Gardeners appreciate Begonia ‘Canary Wing’ for its mounding to trailing habit, making it a versatile choice for showcasing vibrant color.
As an herbaceous perennial hardy only in Zones 10-11, most gardeners treat this showy Begonia as a vibrant annual or a protected houseplant. It requires consistent care, thriving best when provided with bright, indirect light and well-drained, humus-rich soil. Proper moisture management is crucial for maintaining the health of this spectacular Begonia.
This plant brings structure and reliable color to shaded areas, whether situated in summer bedding schemes or elevated containers. For those in cooler climates, mastering the care required to bring Begonia ‘Canary Wing’ indoors for winter ensures you retain its colorful foliage year-round.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Begoniaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 10-11
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-1.5 ft
- Spread: 1.25-1.5 ft
- Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
- Bloom Description: Red
- Sun Exposure: Part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Plant Begonia ‘Canary Wing’ in the spring after all danger of frost has passed, selecting a location that provides bright light without intense, direct afternoon sun. The soil must be well-drained and rich in humus; good drainage is non-negotiable, as wet or cold, wet soil quickly leads to stem and root rots in this variety of Begonia.
Water Begonia ‘Canary Wing’ regularly when the plant is actively growing throughout the warm season. Reduce watering frequency significantly during the winter or whenever you notice growth slowing. While it can tolerate short periods of drought, consistency prevents stress. Avoid overhead watering when possible to reduce humidity around the leaves, which helps mitigate fungal issues.
Many cane-like begonias adapt well to indoor life. If overwintering, ensure the plant receives sufficient ambient light, mimicking its preferred bright, shaded outdoor environment. Pruning ornamental stems lightly helps maintain a dense shape, encouraging bushier development throughout the growing season.
Landscape Uses
The manageable size and excellent foliage color of Begonia ‘Canary Wing’ make it an outstanding selection for outdoor container plantings. It performs beautifully as a “spiller” or “filler” in mixed arrangements, whether placed on patios or flanking entryways. Its trailing tendencies also ensure it looks fantastic spilling over the edges of hanging baskets, providing reliable seasonal color.
When used as a summer bedding annual, design your planting area to complement its need for filtered sunlight. Pair Begonia ‘Canary Wing’ with other shade-tolerant annuals like impatiens or coleus varieties that share similar moisture requirements. The combination of its unique chartreuse leaves and bright red flowers creates striking contrast in shaded borders.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Begonia is a genus of about 1,300 species of annuals, perennials, shrubs and climbers. Most have fleshy stems. Some produce underground tubers or rhizomes. They are grown for their showy flowers, leaves, or both. Cane-like begonias are evergreen, perennial plants primarily from Brazil and are generally upright growing with bamboo-like stems admired for their form and foliage. Begonia ‘Canary Wing’ is a hybrid cane-like begonia selection that features glossy, colorful foliage and a showy display of blooms. New foliage emerges golden yellow before maturing to chartreuse green, complemented by pendulous clusters of red blooms produced seasonally.
Tolerances
- Drought
Potential Problems
Begonia ‘Canary Wing’ can be targeted by common houseplant and garden pests, including whiteflies, thrips, mites, and mealybugs. Regular inspection, particularly of the undersides of leaves, allows for early intervention using horticultural soap or neem oil. Furthermore, this plant is susceptible to fungal issues like powdery mildew, botrytis, and stem rot. Proper air circulation and avoiding overly humid or wet soil conditions are the best preventative measures against these diseases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Begonia ‘Canary Wing’ suitable for?
This beautiful Begonia variety is hardy outdoors in USDA Zones 10 and 11, meaning it requires winter protection or replacement when grown in cooler climates.
How large does Begonia ‘Canary Wing’ grow?
Mature Begonia ‘Canary Wing’ plants typically reach a height between 1 and 1.5 feet, with a similar spread between 1.25 and 1.5 feet, developing a lovely mounding habit.
What sun exposure does Begonia ‘Canary Wing’ need?
This plant prefers part shade, though it may produce its showiest display of blooms if given some amount of full sun; however, it is crucial to shield it from harsh afternoon sun.
When does Begonia ‘Canary Wing’ bloom?
Begonia ‘Canary Wing’ is generally a seasonal bloomer, producing pendulous clusters of red flowers during its active growing period.
Conclusion
The colorful, glossy foliage and reliable red flowers ensure that Begonia ‘Canary Wing’ remains a high-impact choice for shaded displays. Its needs for specific light and drainage align well with successful cultivation practices for most Begonia varieties. Before planting, confirm your current hardiness zone and plan proper protection if you aim to keep your Begonia ‘Canary Wing’ thriving beyond a single season.
Companion Planting
Selecting appropriate neighbors for Begonia ‘Canary Wing’ involves matching its moisture and shade requirements. Look toward deep-shade lovers that offer textural contrast, such as ferns like the Maidenhair or Tuberous Begonias (if grown in similar conditions). Hostas with dark green or blue foliage provide an excellent backdrop, allowing the chartreuse hues of the cane Begonia to truly pop under the canopy.
When using this plant in containers, consider trailing annuals for the pot edges that don’t require heavy feeding or drastically different watering schedules. Sweet potato vine (Ipomoea) cultivars that prefer shade can effectively mingle with the mounding structure of the Begonia, creating a lush, layered effect ideal for sheltered porches.
Design Ideas
Begonia ‘Canary Wing’ excels as a focal point in shaded courtyard or woodland garden designs due to its upright stems and colorful leaves. Because it matures to around 1.5 feet tall, it functions perfectly as the mid-layer in a tiered container arrangement. Use dark, deep-colored pots—black, deep indigo, or terracotta—to enhance the brightness of the yellow-green foliage and scarlet blooms of the Begonia.
For formal plantings, massing several Begonia ‘Canary Wing’ plants together creates a striking block of color beneath large trees where turf grass struggles. In hanging baskets, allow the stems to cascade freely; the combination of the light foliage and the downward-facing red flowers results in dynamic vertical interest on patios or pergolas.
