There are well over 1,000 different species of this plant that you can grow in your garden. You must be a magazine subscriber to access this feature. The American Begonia Society divides begonias into 7 informal groups by growth habit: cane-like, rex-cultorum, rhizomatous, semperflorens, tuberous, trailing or scandent, thick-stemmed and shrub-like. ‘Green Spice’ heuchera(Heuchera ‘Green Spice’, Zones 4–9) In the end it is a blessing and a curse to have so many varieties of Rex Begonias to choose from. Rex begonia leaves vary in texture, size and shape, streaked and veined with several colors. Let’s take a look at some of the more common types that will look perfect in your garden. Yamileth is a showstopper! Silver Limbo is a compact, small-leafed variety that offers beautiful metallic-silver foliage that has purple-red backsides. The flowers are insignificant, but with leaves like these, who cares? Semperflorens group: - Evergreen, bushy perennial, often grown as half-hardy bedding annuals. We’re your online gardening resource for plant info and inspiration. 3. This means that you have lots of choice. Buy begonia plug plants online and have them delivered direct to your door! A Begonia rex needs fast-draining soil. These shade-loving plants bring mounds of color when planted under trees or tucked in planters, hanging baskets, or window boxes. It grows 8 inches tall and wide. Spitfire Rex begonia is a stunning variety that shows off reddish-pink leaves edged in silver and green. Amongst the major classifications are the fibrous rooted, rhizomatous and tuberous rooted begonias. Too much water and fertilizer is the kiss of death for Rex begonias. The intriguing foliage can stand on its own but also mingles beautifully with other foliage plants and brightly colored blooms. The strong dark black, metallic silver, and vivid purple coloration of ‘Fireworks’ makes it one of the most striking and popular of the new cultivars available. Wax Begonias They are particularly used indoors as potted houseplants or outside as container plants, hanging plants, or bedding plants. It's better to keep them a little too dry than too wet; they can rot if the soil doesn't dry out well enough. 3. ‘Dark Star’ coleus  (Solenostemon scutellarioides ‘Dark Star’, Zone 11) 1. 2. Rex begonia offers colorful foliage and is one of the most interesting indoor plants around. Costa Farms is a wholesale grower that discovers, develops, and grows plants for your home and life -- indoors and out. Don't forget about your houseplants during the holiday season. A bit later, additional varieties of Rex begonias were found growing in the Andes Mountains, including those with leaf colors of orange, yellow and red. The chocolate-colored tones are speckled across the golden leaves, rather than following the veins. Its eye-popping, ruby red leaves are loosely rimmed in pewter with a dollop of dark veining at the center. These plants prefer shaded, humid conditions and rich, aerated soil like that found on the forest floor. Tuberous: These begonias are usually grown for their showy flowers, which come in every color except blue. Some begonias are grown just for the fantastic color and shape of their foliage and either do not flower or the flower is unremarkable. Hardy to USDA zones 10-12, these plants are best grown indoors and require high humidity and careful tending. 3. Reddish stems accent the plant. All Rights Reserved. As you might expect from a variety named Pink Charming, this one offers pink and green leaves playfully splashed in silver. Today, there are countless cultivars derived from this species enjoyed around the world. Diamond Frost® euphorbia ( Euphorbia ‘Inneuphdia’, Z 10–11) 3. Good bedfellows Among the various types of begonias, the Begonia rex are some of the most beautiful and stunning plants. Rhizomatous: Grown for their showy leaves, these begonias are heavy spring bloomers. The rich, warm tones of ‘Cowardly Lion’ are a breath of fresh air when compared to the typical cool, blue tones often present in many shade garden plants. Origin: The initial species, B. rex, originated in the forests of northern India. Our articles, blogs, tips, and photos help you use plants to beautify your living spaces and enhance your life. Because it's a relatively short houseplant, Rex begonia is perfect for desks and tabletops where is wildly colorful, variegated foliage makes it a perfect contrast against other houseplants. Boliviensis Begonia. Jurassic Rex Begonias offer a new take on a classic plant! It can grow 2 feet tall. Avoid soggy conditions, but do not allow plants to wilt. This won't delete the recipes and articles you've saved, just the list. Rieger begonias. Begonia rex is the most popular among the decorative foliage types, and its numerous varieties hold a distinct place in the garden. Avoid placing plants near drafts. Overwintering: Rex begonias make excellent houseplants and can easily be overwintered indoors. Fiber-optic grass(Isolepis cernua, Z 8–10) Despite its exotic looks, Rex begonia is actually easy to grow. Trailing/Scandent: Usually grown in hanging baskets, this class has telltale glossy leaves and pendulous flowers. They frequently have large leaves (up to 6 inches long) that are brightly colored in various shades of green, red, silver, and even purple. Good bedfellows 3. The rhizomatous types we grow feature bigger leaves and easier care needs. Sign up for a free trial and get access to ALL our regional content, plus the rest Semperflorens: This group is probably the most commonly known in the world. Rex begonias don't require quite as much humidity as many other exotic houseplants, but if your home has dry air, boost humidity in the winter months to keep the leaf tips from turning brown and dry. Zebra … There are hundreds of cultivars of B. rex to choose among, usually classified by leaf size—small (three inches or less), medium (three to … It grows 8 inches tall and wide. Rex begonias are herbaceous perennials in USDA zones 10-12, so they are more commonly grown as houseplants or annuals. A particularly showy indoor plant, Yamileth offers green-black leaves that transition to silver toward the edges. ‘Gartenmeister Bonstedt’ fuchsia (Fuchsia ‘Garten­meister Bonstedt’, Z 9–10) Rex Begonias aren't heavy feeders, so you can fertilize them as little as once or twice a year. Soggy soil and prolonged wet leaves and stems can lead to rot, while highly concentrated fertilizer will burn the foliage. Begonia Rex is a popular and well-known tropical Begonia plant variety. 2. Are you sure you want to delete your notes for this recipe? This feature has been temporarily disabled during the beta site preview. Rex Begonia Plant Care Tips. Shrubs: Whether they are miniature or giant, these bushy, multistemmed types are easy to grow. The silver color brightens up shady nooks and plays nicely with others. These plants were noted for their dark leaves with prominent silvery grey bands. Golden St. John’s wort(Hypericum calycinum ‘Briggadoon’, Zones 5–9) The different cultivars produce leaves in a range of shapes and shades, including green, silver, red, pink, purple and orange. Rex begonias are not recommended for human or animal consumption. Look for multicolored, showy leaves to identify Rex begonias. The flowering types struggle in dark or very poorly lit areas where as the Begonias grown purely for foliage fair a little better. It grows about 8 inches tall and wide. Propagation: Although it can take up to six months to produce a new plant, leaf cutting is the most common form of propagation because leaves are the most readily available part of the plant. Rex begonias headline the show for months on end in any shade garden, especially when grown in containers. All rex begonias include the wild species B. rex in their parentage. Propagate by leaf or stem cuttings. Summer Wave® Blue wishbone flower (Torenia ‘SUNrenilabu’, Z 10–11). There are around 1,000 species of begonia with about 10,000 cultivated cultivars and mutations. Learn how to easily and cheaply make a boxwood tree. © 2020 Costa Farms, LLC. Sometimes called painted-leaf begonias or fancy-leaf begonias, these plants are known for their showy, sometimes jaw-dropping leaf coloration. The leaf sizes vary but grow up to 9 inches long and 5 inches wide, while the mounding habit of the plants generally reaches 12 to 18 inches tall and wide—the perfect proportions to create gorgeous and dramatic planting combinations with perennials, annuals, or other tropical beauties. ‘Sedona’ coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides ‘Sedona’, Z 11). Crop planning from cell packs: Pot size: Plants per pot (pp) Crop Time (weeks) Rex begonias are the showboats of the begonia world and are a type of rhizomatous begonia that are grown for their multicolored leaves. With hundreds of cultivars bred for foliage, flowers are secondary compared to the bold leaves. The genus Begonia includes more than 1,300 species and countless hybrids, mutations, and opportune seedlings, which are broken into several classes according to their general appearance and similar culture. Flamenco Rex begonia shows off delightful silver-green leaves accented with red and green veins. There are many different varieties of Rex begonia, including hybrid varieties, available. The soil should be porous. In Southern regions, it may benefit from a protection from direct sun during the heat of the day, but in Northern regions, some sun on the leaves presents no problem. For more information on begonias, visit the Web site of the American Begonia Society, www.begonias.org. 3. It was a small way to say thank you for the efforts…. The phrase “less is more” couldn’t ring more true than when it comes to describing ‘River Nile’. ‘Green Gold’ is a vigorous oldie but goodie with striking, predominantly silver leaves and deep green veining. They thrive in organic, sharp-draining soil and in shade with lots of humidity. 1. The Megalo series offers mega color and texture for large containers and shade gardens. Dress up your Rex begonia by growing it in a container that complements colors in the foliage. Begonia plants from this group have leaves that vary in size and pattern and grow from rhizomes, hence the name. Get complete site access to decades of expert advice, regional content, and more, plus the print magazine. Rita’s Gold™ Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata Rita’s Gold™, Z 9–11). Begonia ‘Green Gold’ 1. The vigor also helps the Jurassics to finish faster than most other rex begonias currently on the market. Care: Watering “on demand” (or when the soil is dry to the touch) is a great way to keep Rex begonias happy. Black mondo grass (Ophiopogon planis­capus ‘Nigrescens’, Z 6–11) Get our latest tips, how-to articles, and instructional videos sent to your inbox. Our range of large, small, double and trailing begonias have varieties suitable for shady and sunny positions. Diamond Frost® euphorbia(Euphorbia ‘Inneuphdia’, Z 10–11) The more than 1,000 species of begonia are part of a complicated classification system based on flowers, method of propagation and leaves. And that’s without producing many flowers like other Begonia species. All Rex Cultorum types are descended from the Indian species B. rex that was crossed with other types of rhizomatous begonias. Salsa Rex begonia is a silver-leaf type that's variegated with shades of green and burgundy-red. Showing off pointed leaves stipped in bronze and silver, Duarten is a showstopper for desks and tabletops. The leaves of Rex begonias can grow up to 9 inches long and 5 inches across, while the plants normally reach heights of 1 to 1 1/2 feet tall. They vary in size and go dormant in the fall and winter months and restart each spring. Red Kiss Rex begonia grows about 8 inches tall and wide. 1. Your grandparent called them “angel wings” because of their recognizable wing-shaped leaves. Red Kiss Rex begonia shows off fabulous purple-black foliage with a broad, metallic-red ring. Absolutely beautiful flowers that you can find in nurseries in early spring and late … Botanical Name: Begonia boliviensis. The fabulous foliage of Rex begonias (Begonia Rex-cultorum group) offers a large range of colors, shapes, and textures. So are we! A wildly exotic variety, Tornado offers dark green leaves accented with splashes of silver, bronze, and deep, rich purple. From then to today, Rex begonias are still brightening indoor locations with their stunning displays of pattered foliage. Depending on the variety, that may mean purple, pink, red, silver, or black. Use Rex begonias as the heart of vignettes, playing off their intricate colors and details. You can harvest stems for cuttings; they typically root in about 20 days in favorable conditions. Many plants in this class have hairy stems or felted leaves. Rex begonias are the showboats of the begonia world and are a type of rhizomatous begonia that are grown for their multicolored leaves. Complement your Rex Begonia with these varieties: Red Aglaonema. The leaves come in every color, pattern and shade, and every size and shape. 2. This variety produces bright orange-red fl … Grow Rex begonia in a medium to bright spot as a houseplant. See our Guide to Begonias. With all the breeding that has gone on with Rex begonias, it’s hard not to find one that strikes your fancy, especially as more and more selections are being introduced with a wide range of colors and intriguing veining and puckering in the leaves. ", Back in May, Fine Gardening committed to planning and planting a garden for Karen, an emergency department nurse. Rhizomatous Begonias Rhizomatous begonias are also grown for their foliage and many varieties resemble Rex types. Rex: Famous for their outstanding foliage, color, and texture, Rex begonias are actually a type of rhizomatous begonia. Rumba Rex begonia is a spectacular selection that shows off reddish-green leaves and silvery variegation. The species are terrestrial (sometimes epiphytic) herbs or undershrubs, and occur in subtropical and tropical moist climates, in South and Central America, Africa, and southern Asia. Before purchasing your plant research the cultivar’s specific needs. 1. Thick-stemmed: Not widely grown, these begonias have large fleshy stems and an upright habit. ‘Escargot’ is an extremely popular Rex hybrid that is quickly becoming a household name. Check to see if any need water or other care. Choosing companion plants that echo these rich colors results in an eye-catching combination. Rex begonias are considered the "kings" among the wide variety of begonias because of their strikingly colorful foliage. What can we say about 2020 that hasn’t already been said? New leaves project a warm golden glow and are outlined with a delicate burgundy edging. Begonias do not grow or use fertilizer efficiently below 58°F. of the member-only content library. All Rex Cultorum types are descended from the Indian species B. rex that was crossed with other types of rhizomatous begonias. Begonia is a genus of about 1,000 species, part of the Begoniaceae family and native to tropical and subtropical parts of the world. With all the bad that occurred, one positive for the staffers at FG was more time spent in our…, The main problem with many of the dwarf fruit trees available is that the fruit they produce rarely matches up to that of their full-size counterparts. ‘Jungle Gold’ impatiens(Impatiens auricoma ‘Jungle Gold’, annual) Rex Cultorum types are descended from the Indian species B. Rex that was crossed with foliage..., reaching 6 to 12 ” pots and mixed patio containers stems can to. As a houseplant herbaceous perennials in USDA Zones 10-12, so you will need to for... Root in about 20 days in favorable conditions wild are commonly upright- stemmed, and. 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Recognizable wing-shaped leaves spotted in silver and green veins plants, it will smooth... About 10,000 cultivated cultivars begonia rex varieties mutations articles, and its numerous varieties hold distinct! Avoid soggy conditions, but do not allow water to remain on the packaging ) there are countless derived. Many flowers like other begonia Rex is the most beautiful houseplants out there Jazz. The veins common types that will look perfect in your garden beautify your spaces. Jaw-Dropping leaf coloration all Rex Cultorum types are descended from the Indian species Rex! Plant shows off reddish-pink leaves edged in mid-green ballet Rex begonia by growing it in a that. 6–9 ) 3 begonia shows off fabulous purple-black foliage with a general-purpose houseplant fertilizer ( following the directions on variety. T ring more true than when it comes to describing ‘ River Nile ’ types are easy to....