Begonia

Cane-type Begonia
Begoniaceae
Annuals, Perennials, Shrubs, Flowers

Theyget their name from theirstems, which grow tall andwoody and have prominentbamboolike joints. The groupincludes so-called angel-wingbegonias. These erect plantshave multiple stems, somereaching 5 ft. or more under theright conditions. Most bloomprofusely from early springthrough autumn, bearing largeclusters of white, pink, orange,or red flowers. Some are everblooming. Among the many available varieties are ‘Bubbles’, with spotted foliage and pink, apple blossom-scented flowers; ‘Honeysuckle’, with plain green foliage and fragrant pink flowers;‘Irene Nuss’, with darkred-and-green leaves and hugedrooping clusters of coral pinkflowers; and ‘Orange Rubra’,with medium green leaves,sometimes spotted with silver,and bright orange flowers.

When roots fill 4-in. pots,plants can be placed in largecontainers or in the ground.Position plants where they willget plenty of light, some sun,and no wind. They may requirestaking. Protect from heavyfrosts. Old canes that havegrown barren should be prunedback to two leaf joints in earlyspring to stimulate new growth.