Begonia 'Dragon's Wing'

by Doug
(in his garden)

To begin with, Begonia Dragon's Wing is not a new plant series but a well-established one that's not getting the attention it so richly deserves. Don't believe me, check out the picture of this amazing plant.

Over the years, I've trialed this plant in almost every condition you can name - from full hot sun (not so great but survived with burned leaves) to really deep shade (not so good but it did as well as impatiens did). Where it shines is in a part-shade condition where you need something to bloom heavily all summer long. And I do mean heavily.

This is a king-sized blooming plant and with a steady diet of plant food and regular waterings, it's easy to create a monster plant. This one was started indoors in February or so but you can almost get there with a late May start and good cultural care.

It's readily available at almost every big box store (and smart small retailers) and is usually priced at the same level as every other single-plant-in-a-pot plant. It is not available from seed but only from cuttings. (I stand corrected - seed is available online) And yes, homeowners can overwinter it in a sunny location.

This picture is Begonia 'Dragon's Wing Red' but there is also a pink variety which is equally at home producing massive flower displays. And if you haven't figured it out by now, it comes with my hearty approval. It's one of my must-have annuals for containers or garden use.