Chris Eirschele Top Plant Recommendations: Wax Begonias for Shade and Container Gardens.
The wax begonia is an annual bedding plant that has fibrous roots. Smallest of the Begonia plants, it is used in shaded garden beds and containers outside and grown as houseplants.
Wax begonias are easy to grow plants, with very few pest and disease issues. The petite size and inexpensive cost makes these plants a good choice for children and new gardeners. Despite the simplicity of wax begonias, they bring added value to a garden by attracting hummingbirds and bees.
Bigger Flowers More Choices
When mass planting wax begonias in a flower garden, use the same variety, leaf size or color for a uniform appearance. In container gardens, use in mass in several containers or singly in a combination planting. Indoor gardeners will find that individual begonias, eventually, become specimen plants.
Although they perpetually flower, wax begonias are considered low maintenance plants because they are self-cleaning, requiring no deadheading. Cut back plants in late summer if they become too leggy.
Propagation is easy with wax begonias, another reason for new gardeners and children to start with these plants. Leaf or soft stem cutting will quickly give any gardener multiple plants.
A native of Wisconsin, Chris now makes her home in zone 5 of central Ohio. She is a member of Garden Writers Association and Perennial Plant Association.
