Big Series Begonia Begonia x benaratensis BIG® Group
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- beh-GO-nee-ah ben-nair-a-TEN-sis
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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Hybrid wax begonia, introduced by Benery Seed, is a seed-grown plant derived from hybridizing angel wing begonia with fibrous F1 begonia hybrids. It is in the Begonia (Begoniaceae) family. Mature begonia plants range in size from a few inches high to over 12 inches high, and the flowers, foliage colors and sizes are very diverse.
Hybrid wax begonias are compact, bushy and mounded with fibrous roots, fleshy stems, tough, waxy, dark green to bronze leaves and loose clusters (cymes) of single or double flowers in shades of white, pink or red plus bicolor versions. They are vigorous plants that flower reliably throughout the growing season (May to October). Big Series is noted for its early bloom, large flowers and vigorous habit. The plants are generally low maintenance and grow 12 to 18 inches high with a similar spread.
Noted for its tolerance to hot and humid summers, Big Series begonia grows well in average to moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade, preferring sun-dappled part shade. Bronze-leaved varieties are more tolerant of full sun. Best results will be obtained by providing consistent moisture throughout the growing season. The plant will tolerate periods of drought, as the thick and waxy leaves help minimize water loss in hot weather. A frost-sensitive perennial, it is typically grown to be used as an annual in all but USDA zones 10a to 11b. If grown in a container, you can cut back the plant in the fall and overwinter it indoors in a cool location with reduced watering.
Growing from seed can be difficult; however, you can start the small seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date. Do not sow seeds directly in the garden. Alternatively, you can purchase starter plants or take cuttings from overwintered plants. Set plants out after the last frost date. Space the plants 12 to 15 inches apart to promote good air circulation and to reduce potential fungal disease problems.
These begonias are excellent candidates for a border, mass planting, containers, hanging baskets, and as a houseplant.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Watch for mealybugs and thrips. Susceptible to bacterial leaf spot, powdery mildew, blight, and stem/crown rots.
VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscapes:
- Colorful Borders Plant Walls and Hedges
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- 'Red With Bronze Leaf'
red flowers with bronze leaves - 'Red With Green Leaf'
red flowers green leaves - 'Rose With Bronze Leaf'
rose-pink flowers with bronze leaves - 'Whopper Green Red Leaf'
- 'Whopper Red Bronze'
- 'Red With Bronze Leaf'
- 'Red With Bronze Leaf', 'Red With Green Leaf', 'Rose With Bronze Leaf', 'Whopper Green Red Leaf', 'Whopper Red Bronze'
- Tags:
![Begonia x benaratensis](https://s3.amazonaws.com/eit-planttoolbox-prod/media/images/Begonia_benariensis__Thp5mPTW7s9R.jpg)
![Begonia x benaratensis](https://s3.amazonaws.com/eit-planttoolbox-prod/media/images/Begonia_benariensis__QdZpC2NxbxKn.jpg)
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/eit-planttoolbox-prod/media/images/thumb_sm/Begonia_benariensis__z1VBGlC5reOu.jpg)
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/eit-planttoolbox-prod/media/images/thumb_sm/Begonia_benariensis__3q8lSbY8yFsn.jpg)
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Red With Bronze Leaf'
red flowers with bronze leaves - 'Red With Green Leaf'
red flowers green leaves - 'Rose With Bronze Leaf'
rose-pink flowers with bronze leaves - 'Whopper Green Red Leaf'
- 'Whopper Red Bronze'
- 'Red With Bronze Leaf'
- 'Red With Bronze Leaf', 'Red With Green Leaf', 'Rose With Bronze Leaf', 'Whopper Green Red Leaf', 'Whopper Red Bronze'
- Tags:
-
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Begonia
- Species:
- benaratensis
- Family:
- Begoniaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Root Cutting
- Seed
- Stem Cutting
- Play Value:
- Attractive Flowers
- Colorful
- Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
- drought
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Annual
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit/Form:
- Dense
- Mounding
- Maintenance:
- High
- Texture:
- Coarse
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- High Organic Matter
- Loam (Silt)
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Pink
- Red/Burgundy
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Cyme
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Long Bloom Season
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Spring
- Summer
- Flower Size:
- 1-3 inches
- Flower Description:
- Loose cymes of single or double 2 1/2 inch flowers in white, pink, red, or tri-color bloom from May to first frost in the fall.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Green
- Red/Burgundy
- Leaf Feel:
- Waxy
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Long-lasting
- Showy
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- Thick and waxy leaves help minimize water loss in hot weather.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- Fleshy.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Hanging Baskets
- Houseplants
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Mass Planting
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Drought
- Problems:
- Contact Dermatitis
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Children
- Problem for Dogs
- Problem for Horses
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Poisonous to Humans:
- Poison Severity:
- Low
- Poison Symptoms:
- Kidney failure (in grazing animals), vomiting, salivation in dogs/cats. The most toxic part is the underground roots. The sap can cause skin irritation.
- Poison Toxic Principle:
- Soluble calcium oxalates
- Causes Contact Dermatitis:
- Yes
- Poison Part:
- Roots
- Sap/Juice