Begonia Dragon Wing

Begonia x hybrida Dragon Wing

Characteristics

Culture

Dragon Wing Begonia 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. It appreciates some afternoon shade. 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

Most have fleshy stems and some produce underground tubers or rhizomes. They are grown for their showy flower or colorful leaves; some for both. Cane-like begonias are evergreen, perennial plants and are generally upright growing with bamboo-like stems, their interesting form as well as attractive leaves and flowers. They have woody stems and fibrous roots.  Dragon Wing Begonia 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 mealybug. Watch for powdery mildew and root and stem rots. 

Garden Uses

Hanging baskets, window boxes, containers or bedding areas. Good plant for accent or edging in shade gardens.

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Courtesy of Missouri Botanical Society Plant Finder