Culture
Frost tender perennial that is grown in St. Louis as an annual. It is noted for its tolerance to hot and humid summers. It is easily grown in average to moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soils in full sun to full shade. Generally appreciates some afternoon shade in the St. Louis area. Plants are best with consistent moisture throughout the growing season, but will tolerate some short periods of drought. Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost date, purchase starter plants or take cuttings from overwintered plants. Set plants out after last frost date. Container plants may be cut back in fall and overwintered indoors a cool location with reduced watering. Propagation from seed can be difficult due to the small size of the seed, and seed should not be sown directly in the garden.
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. Begonias can be divided into 7 informal groups by growth habit: Cane-like, rex-cultorum, rhizomatous, semperflorens, tuberous, trailing or scandent, thick-stemmed and shrub-like.
Cane-like begonias are evergreen, perennial plants primarily from Brazil. They are generally upright growing with bamboo-like stems and are grown for their interesting form as well as attractive leaves and flowers. They have semi-woody stems and fibrous roots.
Genus name honors Michael Begon (1638-1710), Governor of French Canada.
DRAGOON WING RED is a compact F1 hybrid begonia that features angelwing-like, shiny green leaves and large drooping scarlet flowers. It is a compact, bushy, fibrous-rooted plant that typically forms dense mounds to 15-18” tall and as wide of fleshy, semi-trailing stems. It is a superb annual for shaded areas, with flowers reliably blooming throughout the growing season (May to October).
Problems
Subject to whitefly, thrips, mites and mealybugs. Susceptible to powdery mildew, botrytis, and stem rot, especially in humid conditions with poor air circulation.
Uses
Hanging baskets, window boxes, containers or bedding areas. Good plant for accent or edging in shade gardens.