Name:
Begonias
Description:
Begonias are a genus of plants comprising mostly small shrubs and climbers, native to the tropical climates of the America’s. Begonias come from the plant family Begoniaceae, which is host to over 900 species and cultivars.
The plants themselves can grow from a rhizome or have a fibrous root system. The foliage is usually a light to dark green, often with spectacular variegations of pink and red growing on individual canes that form a clump. It flowers all year round and appear in white, yellow, orange, red and pink.
New cultivars of begonias are discovered frequently as the plants can quite easily hybridise with other plants in the genus. Interestingly, the leaves of this genus are rarely symmetrical, meaning that the leaves could not be folded into equal halves.
Begonias are tender to a cool climate and therefore are better suited to a sub-tropical climate in part to full shade. They prefer a cool, moist soil rich in organic matter with regular watering and feeding. Adequate air flow must be provided to avoid any fungal problems. Propagation is by seed, division or cuttings, depending on the species.
Where can Begonias be seen in the Parklands?
Begonias can be found planted by the new Centennial Parklands Restaurant on the southern side, adjacent to Banksia Way, where they complement the surrounding sub-tropical theme.
Further reading