Begonias were once thought to be an old-fashioned flower, but no more. The small, dainty wax begonia has been replaced in the hearts of planter lovers by bolder hybrids such as Dragon Wing begonias. This remarkable hybrid is a cross between angel wing begonias and wax begonias. It features 5-inch-long, deep, glossy-green, wing-shaped leaves, hanging stems, and large drooping clusters of flowers. The flowers come in shades of red, pink, and white and keep blooming from spring to frost. These vigorous plants do best with morning sun and light afternoon shade. The large plants grow 18 inches across and are well suited for planters or hanging baskets.
Additionally, you can try the BIG series of hybrid begonia, which is part angel wing, part fibrous begonia. They are bushy and have a more upright habit, growing 20 inches tall and wide. It is heavy blooming and holds 2- to 3- inch blooms above green, glossy leaves. This popular begonia blooms from early summer to late summer and withstands summer heat. The BIG begonia series has combinations of red flower with green leaf, red with bronze leaf, and rose with bronze leaf. BIG begonias put on a show in large containers in part sun to part shade.
A unique cultivar is the ‘Canary Wings’ begonia. It produces dark red blossoms but with wing-shaped, chartreuse leaves! The glowing foliage brightens up shady corners and is ideal for hanging baskets and containers. ‘Canary Wings’ was named one of the Best New Annuals of 2018 by Garden Gate magazine.
In the summer months, hybrid begonias are attention-grabbing in any kind of container. They bloom under a variety of light conditions, but they do best in light shade. They need well-drained soil, at least 50-percent humidity, and warm temperatures to be at their best. They may be grown as a perennial in humid USDA hardiness zones 10–11.