Begonia Cultorum ‘Cocktail Pink’

Begonia semperflorens-cultorum ‘Cocktail Pink’

Characteristics

Culture

A tender perennial, Begonia Cultorum ‘Cocktail Pink’, is winter hardy to USDA Zones 10-11. In colder regions, it is grown 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 part shade. Prefers dappled sun, part shade and a good mulch in hot summer climates. Bronze-leaved varieties are more tolerant of full sun. Plants tolerate considerable shade, but are generally less floriferous with less sun. Begonia Cultorum ‘Cocktail Pink’ plants are best with consistent moisture throughout the growing season, but tolerate periods of drought due to their thick and waxy leaves which help minimize water loss in hot weather. Container plants may be cut back in fall and overwintered indoors a cool location with reduced watering.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Begonia × semperflorens-cultorum is a name applied to a group of cultivated, hybrid begonias commonly called wax begonias. These are compact, bushy, mounded, fibrous-rooted plants that feature fleshy stems, waxy dark green to bronze leaves and loose clusters of single or double flowers. The flowers come in shades and bicolor combinations of white, pink or red. Blooms reliably throughout the growing season.

Begonia Cultorum ‘Cocktail Pink’ has glossy bronze leaves that produces pastel pink blossoms with touches of yellow in the center of bloom. The Begonia is a favorite of landscapers and homeowners alike. It is a compact plant that blooms all summer long and is very uniform in its habit. Begonias prefer full sun to part shade. This is a very hardy annual that grows near 12” tall and spreads nearly 12” wide.

Problems

Susceptible to mealy bugs and thrips, rot, and fungal diseases.

Garden Uses

Suitable for use in beds, borders, and as an edger. Use in containers and window boxes.