The Vibrant World of Begonia Colors: A Guide to the Rainbow Palette

Begonias are beloved flowers known for their spectacular blooms and attractive foliage These popular garden plants come in a rainbow of colors that brighten up any outdoor space. With over 1800 species, begonias display an incredible diversity of flower colors From bold reds to delicate pastels, begonias offer something for everyone’s taste.

In this article, we’ll explore the wide range of begonia colors and help you find the perfect shades to enhance your garden. Whether you’re looking for classic red begonias or want to try something new like orange, there’s sure to be a beautiful begonia bloom waiting to be discovered.

An Overview of Begonia Color Categories

Begonias display colors across the full spectrum but they tend to fall into a few major color categories

• Reds: Red is the most iconic begonia color. These fiery shades range from bright cherry reds to deep burgundies. Popular red begonia varieties include Nonstop, Ambassador, and DirectGardens Red With Green Leaf. Red begonias make a big visual impact and pair nicely with greens, whites, and pinks. They work well in flower beds, pots, and hanging baskets.

• Pinks: From blush pink to fuchsia, pink begonias add a soft, feminine touch to gardens. Some pink varieties to try are Nonstop Pink, Double Up Pink, and Original Pink. Pink begonias work nicely in gentle pastel color schemes. Combine them with white flowers and foliage for a romantic cottage garden look.

• Whites: White begonias offer a clean, classic look. Try growing Ambassador White, Nonstop White, or Double Up White. White begonias pop when surrounded by darker colors. Use them as an accent against red or purple flowers. They also give lightness and brightness to shady areas.

• Yellows: Yellow is a cheery color that brings sunshine to gardens. Popular yellow begonia varieties include Nonstop Yellow, Million Kisses Yellow, and Solenia Apricot Shades. Yellow begonias are fantastic for combating dreary areas and brightening up shaded garden beds and containers. Partner them with blues and purples for a lively contrast.

• Oranges: For tropical flair, explore orange begonias like Bonfire, Nonstop Joy Mocca Orange, and Mandalay. Vibrant orange blooms look exotic and energizing. Use orange begonias to create a bold, fiery display. Combine them with red and yellow flowers for maximum impact.

Unique Begonia Colors

Beyond the main color categories, there are also some rare and unusual begonia shades to discover:

• Purple – Intriguing purple varieties like Nonstop Joy Violet bring regal elegance to gardens.

• Peach – Delicate peach blooms like Party Peach provide a luminous glow.

• Bicolors – Two-toned blooms such as Ambassor Pink Bicolor feature color splashes for added intrigue.

• Multicolors – Blends like Ambassor Multiflora mix several bright colors on one begonia.

• Picotee – Picotee begonias like Nonstop Joy Picotee have petal edges rimmed with a contrasting color.

• Bronze Foliage – Types like Cocktail Vodka have unique bronze leaves that complement the flowers.

Factors That Influence Begonia Colors

Several factors impact the flower colors that begonias display:

• Genetics: A begonia’s genetic makeup primarily determines its color. Different species and hybrids inherit genes coding for specific pigments. This allows breeders to develop varieties displaying many distinct colors.

• Sun Exposure: While too much sun can damage begonias, the right amount of light is needed for them to reach their full color potential. Begonias grown in very shady conditions may have paler, washed-out blooms. Placing them in bright filtered sunlight brings out richer, more saturated colors.

• Temperature: Begonias thrive in warm weather, and heat helps maximize their flower colors. Cool temperatures can cause some varieties to fade or take on a bluish cast. Moving potted begonias to a sheltered spot protects them from color-draining cold and rain.

• Soil pH: The ideal pH range of 6.0-6.5 brings out optimal begonia colors. High alkalinity causes pink begonias to fade and look washed out. Using an acidic fertilizer corrects color issues caused by overly alkaline soil.

• Age: As begonias mature and become established, their flowers often gain intensity and reach their truest colors. Newly planted begonias or smaller container plants may have paler blooms that deepen over time.

Choosing Colors by Begonia Type

Different begonia categories offer their own distinct palettes:

• Wax begonias – These popular bedding plants come in all the main color categories. Try ‘Ambassador’ for big blooms.

• Tuberous begonias – Huge rose-like flowers display intense oranges, yellows, reds and pinks. Go for ‘Nonstop’.

• Rex begonias – Grown for dramatic foliage, but types like ‘Sophie Cecile’ add vibrant pink blooms.

• Angel wing begonias – Known for unique wing-shaped leaves, but varieties like ‘Kimjongilia’ have stunning red-orange flowers.

• Hardy begonias – Subtly charming pink or white blooms complement the large foliage. Try ‘Alba’.

• Trailing begonias – Cascades of small flowers in pink, red, white, or orange. Check out ‘Golden Picotee’.

Best Uses for Different Begonia Colors

Match begonia colors to your design needs:

• Use eye-catching reds as focal points and for maximum impact.

• Pinks and whites work well in quieter areas for understated beauty.

• Let cheery yellows and oranges energize shady borders and containers.

• Empower bold purples and bicolors to grab attention in prime spots.

• Highlight intriguing bronze leaves and multicolors for unique accents.

With so many glorious colors to appreciate, it’s easy to see why begonias are garden superstars. Their dazzling diversity makes it possible to find perfect shades for lighting up beds, borders, pots, and shady areas with floral fireworks.

So explore the possibilities and let beautiful begonias add vivid color wherever your garden needs a little more excitement!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the rarest begonia color?

While there are many rare begonia varieties, finding a true blue begonia is extremely difficult. Blue pigments are less common in nature, and achieving a true blue hue in begonias is a challenging task.

Can I change the color of my begonia?

Unfortunately, you cannot change the color of your begonia once it’s been established. The color is determined by the plant’s genetics and cannot be altered by environmental factors.

What is the best way to care for begonias?

Begonias thrive in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. They prefer moist conditions but should not be overwatered. Regular fertilization can help promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms.

Can begonias be grown indoors?

Yes, many begonia varieties can be grown indoors. However, it’s important to provide them with adequate light, either from a south-facing window or a grow lamp.

Are begonias toxic to pets?

Begonias are considered mildly toxic to pets. If ingested, they can cause mild gastrointestinal upset. It’s best to keep them out of reach of curious pets.