The lush and glossy bronze patina of wax begonias is paired with green rosette-like leaves of strawberry begonias that hide a blushing pink underside and plump green leaves of jade. Together they are shown off to perfection in a living wreath. Wax begonias provide brilliant blooms, the strawberry begonias deliver texture and jade lends a natural relaxed look.
Strawberry begonias send out numerous thin runners that will produce small plantlets (similar to strawberry plants). You can clip the new growth and propagate into another living wreath.
This begonia and jade wreath can make a home outside, but it will also flourish indoors with bright light. Outside or in, this wreath will breathe life into any space.
| 9-inch wreath base |
| 12 small begonias |
| 5 (3-inch) strawberry begonias |
| 6 jade cuttings |
Prepping the Plants
Treat the jade as you would other succulents, taking cuttings and allowing them to callus over for two days prior to planting. One medium jade plant should yield six to eight jade cuttings.
The wax begonias were leafed without any blooms, which allows for easy planting into a wreath. Gently remove the begonia plants from their plastic pots. Using forceps, scrape off the excess soil to expose the roots.
Planting
Start with a dampened wreath base.
With forceps or a screwdriver, make a hole through the moss and into the core of the wreath-base soil.
Grasp the base of the plants with the forceps and carefully slip it inside, tucking in the roots.
Stagger and space begonias every 2 to 3 inches around the wreath, clustering jade cuttings around the begonias.
Use some U-shaped pins to secure jade cuttings until the roots take hold.
This wreath should lay flat after planting for five to six weeks, allowing roots to take form before hanging.
Care
This begonia and jade living wreath will thrive outdoors in a partial sun location. Too much direct sunlight may burn the begonia leaves. To water, fully submerge the wreath once or twice a week for two to three minutes or give it a long and gentle soak with water from a garden hose. The soil within this wreath likes to remain moist. Keep the wreath flat for five to six weeks, until the jade cuttings have taken root.
