Begonia Begonia Amour = 'Yamour' (Million Kisses Series)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Begonia Amour, also known as 'Yamour' from the Million Kisses Series, is a visually striking plant characterized by its vivid foliage and flowers. The leaves exhibit a combination of deep greens and may have red or burgundy undertones that add to the plant’s appeal. These heart-shaped leaves are glossy and contribute to the plant's lush appearance. The flowers are notably plentiful and stand out with their bright colors that range from pinks to reds. They bloom in clusters and have a delicate, almost whimsical look, with soft petals that can add a pop of color to any space they occupy. The Begonia Amour's overall aesthetic is cheerful and vibrant, often creating a cascading effect that enhances its ornamental value. The plant’s growth habit gives it a full and abundant presence, which is particularly well-suited for hanging baskets or containers where its trailing nature can be showcased.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Synonyms
  Million Kisses Begonia, Begonia 'Yamour', Begonia Amour
- Common names
  Begonia Amour = 'Yamour'
Toxicity
- To humans
  Begonias, including the Begonia 'Yamour', are considered non-toxic to humans. They are not known to cause serious poisoning if ingested. However, some people might experience mild irritation in the mouth or throat, or gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea or vomiting if they consume parts of the plant. It is always advisable to avoid eating ornamental plants due to their potential irritants or the presence of pesticide residues.
- To pets
  Begonias, including the Begonia 'Yamour', are known to be toxic to pets, particularly cats and dogs. If ingested, they can cause irritation of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. These symptoms are due to compounds called insoluble oxalates found in the plant. While the Begonia 'Yamour' is not typically life-threatening, it can cause significant discomfort to pets, and veterinary attention may be required if symptoms are severe or persistent. Owners should prevent their pets from accessing or ingesting parts of the plant.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Evergreen
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Pink
- Height
  1 foot [30 cm]
- Spread
  1 foot [30 cm]
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  10
- Native area
  Tropical South America

Benefits

General Benefits
- Easy to Grow: Thrives in a range of conditions, doesn't require extensive gardening skills.
- Long Blooming Season: Offers colorful flowers from late spring to the first frost, adding continuous beauty to gardens.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal pruning and deadheading compared to other flowering plants.
- Versatile: Suitable for hanging baskets, containers, and as bedding plants, providing flexibility in garden design.
- Attracts Pollinators: Flowers draw in beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it has good resistance to brief periods of dry conditions.
- Vivid Colors: Provides a splash of vibrant color that can brighten up any outdoor or indoor space.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Begonia 'Yamour' can be used in mixed-media art projects, with its flowers adding a delicate touch to collages or pressed flower arrangements.
- The stems and leaves of Begonia 'Yamour' can be used as natural dye sources for fabrics, yielding subtle colors for textile projects.
- Petals from the Begonia 'Yamour' can be used in crafting homemade soaps, candles, or potpourri, providing a pleasant fragrance and aesthetic appeal.
- The plant's vibrant colors and distinct shape can serve as inspiration for designers and artists in patterns for wallpapers, textiles, or stationery.
- During the holidays, the small-sized Begonia 'Yamour' can be decorated to act as an alternative to traditional Christmas trees in small spaces.
- Educationally, Begonia 'Yamour' can be used to teach children about plant growth and reproduction, as it's relatively easy to care for and propagate.
- Begonia 'Yamour' can be cultivated as a way to practice space-saving vertical gardening techniques, making it ideal for urban environments with limited space.
- In photography, the Begonia 'Yamour' can be used as a subject for macro photography, allowing photographers to capture the intricate details of its flowers and foliage.
- The plant can be used as a natural table centerpiece for eco-friendly weddings or events, reducing the need for cut flowers.
- Begonia 'Yamour' leaves may be used as temporary bookmarks, especially when a thin, non-bulky marker is needed for delicate books or papers.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Begonia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Begonia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Caution: Begonias are historically used to convey a message of caution or to be wary. This symbolism stems from the less hardy nature of the plant, making it somewhat high-maintenance and delicate.
- Gratitude: The Begonia often represents deep gratitude and respect, making it a thoughtful gift when someone wants to thank another person for their help or support.
- Harmony: With the specific 'Yamour' cultivar being part of the Million Kisses Series, the perennial's growth habit and cascading flowers suggest harmonious surroundings and a balanced life.
- Individuality: As Begonias come in many varieties and colors, they can symbolize uniqueness and individuality, encouraging one to embrace their personal distinctiveness.
- Intuitive Communication: The intricate form and variety of Begonias may convey the need for intuitive communication and understanding without words, much like the subtle gesture of gifting flowers to express emotions.

💧

Every 3-4 days

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

50%

Humidity

🪴

Every year

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
The Begonia 'Million Kisses' prefers consistently moist soil but is sensitive to overwatering, which may cause root rot. Water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, likely once a week depending on environmental conditions. Apply water at the base until it begins to drain from the bottom of the pot, avoiding wetting the foliage to prevent fungal diseases. In hotter seasons or drier climates, the plant may require more frequent watering. It's essential to reduce watering in the cooler months to prevent soggy soil, and always use pots with adequate drainage holes.
Light
Begonia 'Million Kisses' thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate some morning sun. The best spot for this plant would be near a window that receives ample light but is shielded from the harsh midday sun, as direct sunlight can scorch the leaves. An east or west-facing window with sheer curtains can be ideal for diffusing light and providing the suitable conditions.
Temperature
Begonia 'Million Kisses' prefers a warm, stable environment with temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from cold drafts and sudden temperature changes. The ideal condition is a consistently warm temperature without the extremes of heat or cold.
Pruning
Pruning Begonia 'Million Kisses' promotes bushier growth and prevents the plant from becoming leggy. Trim back the stems as needed to maintain the desired shape, and remove any dead or yellowing leaves to keep the plant healthy. The best time for pruning is in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing, but light pruning can be done year-round.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The best soil mix for Begonia 'Yamour' is a well-draining potting mix with high organic content, such as a blend of peat moss, pine bark, and perlite. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, between 5.5 and 7.0.
Repotting
Begonia 'Yamour' generally doesn't require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound.
Humidity & Misting
Begonia 'Yamour' thrives in high humidity conditions, ideally between 50% and 70%. It benefits from regular misting or placement on a pebble tray with water to maintain ambient moisture.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Keep in bright, indirect light; water when topsoil is dry.
- Outdoor
  Partial shade, shelter from wind, well-draining soil, avoid overwatering.
- Hardiness zone
  9-11 USDA
Life cycle
Begonia 'Yamour', part of the Million Kisses Series, begins its life as a seed or more commonly as a vegetative cutting. Upon germination or rooting, it enters the vegetative growth phase, developing a strong root system and foliage. As the plant matures, it produces distinctive, heart-shaped leaves and begins to form buds. The flowering stage follows, where it displays vibrant flowers, usually from early spring through to the first frost in autumn. After flowering, it sets seeds, although many cultivators propagate through cuttings to maintain specific cultivar traits. In cold climates, Begonia 'Yamour' can die back in winter unless brought indoors or protected, but it will often return in spring if roots are hardy or if treated as an annual.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Summer
- The Begonia Amour, known in the Million Kisses Series as 'Yamour', is best propagated through stem cuttings. To propagate, select a healthy stem with a few leaves but no flowers, ideally about 4 inches (approximately 10 centimeters) in length. Using a sharp, clean pair of scissors or a knife, cut just below a node where leaves emerge. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting to prevent rot when placed in water or soil. The cutting can then be placed in a glass of water until roots develop, which typically takes a few weeks. Once a good network of roots is established, the new plant can be transferred into potting soil to continue its growth. This method is favored for its simplicity and effectiveness.