Begonia Begonia Summer Jewels Mixed (S)

☠ Toxic to humans
🐾 Toxic to pets
🌸 Blooming
🍪 Not edible
‍🌱 Easy-care
begonia [Summer Jewels Mixed]

ABOUT

Begonia Summer Jewels Mixed is known for its striking, vibrant appearance that comprises a blend of bright, jewel-toned flowers. The blossoms come in a spectrum of colors, including red, pink, orange, white, and yellow, often with multiple shades present in a single bloom or across the plant. Each flower is delicate and can be either single or double, providing an attractive textural contrast with a lush, sometimes ruffled appearance. The plant displays a bounty of flowers that create a showy display throughout its blooming season. The foliage of Begonia Summer Jewels Mixed varies from green to bronze shades, with some leaves exhibiting a glossy sheen that catches the light, adding to the ornamental quality of the plant. The leaves can be asymmetrical and may have a slightly wavy or serrated edge, contributing further to the plant's overall visual appeal. This Begonia serves as an excellent bedding or container plant, adding a splash of color to gardens, patios, or indoor settings. It's not just the blooms that attract admirers; the foliage itself provides a rich backdrop, enhancing the brilliance of the flowers.

Plant Info
Care
Common Problems

About this plant

  • memoNames

    • Family

      Begoniaceae

    • Synonyms

      Wax Begonia, Fibrous Begonia, Bedding Begonia

    • Common names

      Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum

  • skullToxicity

    • To humans

      Begonias, including the Begonia Summer Jewels Mixed, can be toxic if ingested. They contain compounds like oxalic acid, which can cause irritation in the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms of ingestion can include burning and swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to kidney failure. It is advisable to avoid consuming any part of the begonia plant.

    • To pets

      Begonias, including the Begonia Summer Jewels Mixed, are also toxic to pets. Ingesting parts of the plant can cause similar symptoms as in humans, such as irritation of the mouth and gastrointestinal tract, leading to drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea in pets. In severe cases, it can cause kidney failure. Pet owners should prevent their pets from chewing on or ingesting any part of begonias.

  • infoCharacteristics

    • Life cycle

      Annuals

    • Foliage type

      Deciduous

    • Color of leaves

      Varies

    • Flower color

      Mixed

    • Height

      6-8 inches (15-20 cm)

    • Spread

      8-10 inches (20-25 cm)

    • Plant type

      Herb

    • Hardiness zones

      10

    • Native area

      Tropical and subtropical regions

Benefits

  • money-bagGeneral Benefits

    • Vibrant Aesthetics: Begonia Summer Jewels create a visually appealing display with their colorful flowers, enhancing the beauty of gardens and living spaces.
    • Low Maintenance: They are relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once established, making them ideal for busy gardeners.
    • Drought Tolerance: Once established, these begonias can handle short periods of drought, reducing the need for constant watering.
    • Shade Enhancement: They thrive in shaded areas where other plants might struggle, providing color and life to darker parts of a garden.
    • Continuous Blooming: Begonia Summer Jewels have a long flowering period, offering continuous blooms from late spring to early autumn.
    • Versatility: They can be planted in a variety of settings, including hanging baskets, containers, and flower beds, allowing for diverse garden designs.
    • Pest Resistance: These plants are known to be resistant to many common garden pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
    • Non-Invasive: Begonias are non-invasive plants, preventing them from overtaking other flora in your garden.
    • Attracts Pollinators: While not renowned for attracting wildlife, they can still draw in pollinators such as bees, which are essential for the health of a garden.
    • Space Efficiency: Their compact size makes them suitable for small gardens or spaces where efficient use of area is important.

  • medicalMedical Properties

    This plant is not used for medical purposes.

  • windAir-purifying Qualities

    This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

  • leavesOther Uses

    • Begonias can be used in terrariums for decorative purposes due to their humidity tolerance and vibrant foliage.
    • They can serve as a living mulch under taller plants, helping to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
    • Their leaves can be pressed and used in botanical art pieces or herbarium collections due to their interesting shapes and patterns.
    • Edible varieties of begonias can be used as a colorful garnish in salads or as an ingredient in sorbets for a light, lemon-like flavor.
    • They can be used as indicator plants in gardens to detect over-watering, as begonias are sensitive to excessive moisture.
    • Begonias can be part of a sensory garden, providing textural variation with their unique foliage for a tactile experience.
    • The waxy leaves of begonias can be used in crafts, like creating leaf-imprinted designs on clay or cement for garden stepping stones.
    • Small begonia plants can be potted and used as natural table centerpieces for outdoor events, offering both decoration and the potential to later be planted.
    • Can be utilized in educational settings to teach hybridization and propagation techniques due to their relative ease of cross-breeding and propagation.
    • They can be used as a border plant to outline garden paths or flower beds, providing a low-growing, colorful edge throughout the growing season.

Interesting Facts

  • bedFeng Shui

    Begonia is not used in Feng Shui practice.

  • aquariusZodiac Sign Compitability

    Begonia is not used in astrology practice.

  • spiralPlant Symbolism

    • Caution: Begonias are often associated with a message of caution or warning. They may serve as a gentle reminder to be wary or careful, possibly in relationships or decisions.
    • Harmony: The balance and variety of colors in Begonia blooms can symbolize harmony and peace. It encourages balance and moderation in one's life.
    • Individuality: The uniqueness of each Begonia bloom, especially with the 'Summer Jewels Mixed' variety, celebrates individuality and personal expression.
    • Gratitude: Begonias can also represent deep appreciation or gratitude. They are perfect gifts to thank someone for their help or kindness.

💧
Every 10-14 days
Water
☀️
2500 - 10000 Lux
Light
💦️
5%
Humidity
🪴
Every year
Repotting
🌱️
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation
✂️️
As needed
Pruning

  • water dropWater

    Wax Begonias should be watered regularly, ensuring the soil is kept moist but not soggy. Typically, they should be watered once every week, but this can vary depending on the climate conditions and the pot size. For an average-sized pot, providing about 16 ounces of water should be sufficient. During hot weather, you may need to water more frequently to maintain consistent soil moisture. It’s important to avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf spot diseases.

  • sunLight

    Wax Begonias thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. They perform best when placed in an area that receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade, as intense direct sunlight can scorch the leaves. East-facing windows or dappled shade under larger plants are ideal spots for these Begonias.

  • thermometerTemperature

    Wax Begonias prefer temperatures between 60°F and 75°F, making them suitable for most indoor environments. They should not be exposed to temperatures below 50°F, as they are sensitive to cold. These plants will grow most vigorously when kept within their ideal temperature range.

  • scissorsPruning

    Pruning Wax Begonias is mainly done to remove dead or damaged foliage and promote bushier growth. It’s best to prune in late winter or early spring, before the onset of the growing season. Lightly trimming back the long stems every few months will also encourage fuller plants.

  • broomCleaning

    As needed

  • bambooSoil

    The best soil mix for Begonia Summer Jewels, also known simply as Begonia, should be light, well-draining, and rich in organic matter. A mixture of peat, perlite, and compost is ideal. Aim for a soil pH between 5.5 and 6.5 for optimal growth.

  • plantRepotting

    Begonias should be repotted every 1-2 years, or when you notice that they have become root-bound. Repotting in the spring is ideal for Begonia Summer Jewels as this is when they enter a period of active growth.

  • water dropsHumidity & Misting

    Begonia Summer Jewels thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50% and 70%. Avoid placing them in dry environments as they require consistent humidity to flourish.

  • pinSuitable locations

    • Indoor

      Place in bright, indirect light; keep away from cold drafts.

    • Outdoor

      Partial shade, protect from intense midday sun.

    • Hardiness zone

      10-11 USDA

  • circleLife cycle

    The life of Begonia 'Summer Jewels Mixed' (S) begins with seed germination, which occurs in warm, moist soil conditions, usually in early spring when temperatures are consistently above 70°F (21°C). After germination, the seedling stage is characterized by the development of two embryonic leaves, or cotyledons, which provide energy for growth until true leaves develop. As the plant enters the vegetative stage, it produces a rosette of leaves and begins rapid growth. The next phase is the flowering stage, typically occurring in midsummer when daylength and temperatures are optimal; during this time, vividly colored blooms appear and may continue until fall. Following pollination, the begonias produce small winged fruits containing seeds, completing their reproductive cycle. Lastly, being tender perennials, they either die back with the first frost in colder climates or may persist through mild winters in warmer regions, where they can enter a period of dormancy before resuming growth in the spring.

  • sproutPropogation

    • Propogation time

      Spring-Early Summer

    • Begonia Summer Jewels Mixed, commonly known as Begonia, is often propagated through the division of its tubers. This method is frequently employed as it maintains the desirable traits of the parent plant. To propagate Begonias by tuber division, the best time is typically in the spring when new growth begins. Begin by carefully lifting the tuber from the soil and cleaning off any excess dirt. Using a sharp knife, slice the tuber into sections, ensuring each piece has at least one bud or eye. Allow the cut surface to callous over for a few hours to reduce the risk of rot. These sections can then be replanted in moist potting mix, positioned about 1 inch deep. With proper warmth and moisture levels, new growth should emerge from the tubers, continuing the lush beauty of Begonia in your garden.

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