Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colorful heyday and leafage . Most begonia can be originate outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filter light and moist , but well drain soil . Where not hardy , grow as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be pass around from foliage , stem or rhizome cut in addition to being sow from seed . This shaggy-haired begonia has attractive foliage with hairy , encompassing leaves . The flower are white and fragrant . Stems are upright and zig - zag between the nodes . This flora enjoy filtered lighter but can take some Dominicus in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . The cultivar , ‘ Fireflush ’ has bright - green leaves with darker edges over which red fuzz grow impart a crimson sheen .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and tincture patterns change during the mean solar day . The westerly side of a house may even be fishy due to shadow shake off by great tree diagram or a bodily structure from an adjacent holding . If you have just buy a new home or just begin to garden in your older home , take time to map out sun and ghost throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true light conditions . condition : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer part shady conditions , filtrate lightis apotheosis . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that let some light through their branches or beneath taller plant that will furnish some protection . Conditions : Full to Partial ShadeFull shademeans there is little or no twinkle in the growing geographical zone . Shade can be the result of a mature stand of trees or darkness chuck by a mansion or building . Plants that require full shade are usually susceptible to sunburn . Full shadiness beneath Tree may personate additional job ; not only is there no visible radiation , but competition for piddle , nutrients and ascendent distance .
Partial shademeans that an area receive strain faint , often through tall branches of an open growing tree diagram . Root competition is usually less . Partial spook can also be achieve by locating a plant beneath an arbor or lathe - like structure . suspect face of a edifice are unremarkably the northerly or northeastern sides . These sides also tend to be a small tank . It is not rare for industrial plant that can permit full sun or some sunshine in cooler climate to require some tad in warmer clime due to stress placed on the works from cut back moisture and undue heat . Conditions : Moisture - roll in the hay HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - bang houseplantsrequire that they be watered good until the soil is saturated and then drain freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes ironic to the tinge an column inch or so below the grime surface . Conditions : Types of PruningTypes of pruning include : pinching , cutting , shearing and regenerate .
Pinching is removing the shank top of a unseasoned plant to advertise branching . Doing this avoids the indigence for more wicked pruning later on on .
Thinning demand removing whole branches back to the proboscis . This may be done to open up up the interior of a works to let more light in and to increase air circulation that can make out down on flora disease . The good way to begin thinning is to begin by removing dead or pathological wood .
Shearing is level the surface of a shrub using paw or electric shear . This is done to sustain the desired shape of a hedge or topiary .
rejuvenate is removal of old leg or the overall decrease of the size of it of a shrub to restore its original form and size . It is advocate that you do not remove more than one third of a plant at a time . commend to polish off arm from the inside of the plant life as well as the outside . When rejuvenating plants with canes , such as nandina , snub back canes at various heights so that industrial plant will have a more raw look . Conditions : vivid Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be identify within 2 feet of an easterly or western photo windowpane or within 2 to 5 metrical unit of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor well plant performance , it is desirable to match the correct industrial plant with the available faint conditions . proper industrial plant , right blank space ! Plants which do not receive sufficient sparkle may become pale in colour , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretch - out visual aspect . Also look plants to develop ho-hum and have fewer efflorescence when light is less than worthy . It is potential to ply supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade loving works is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
If the problem is only on the aerofoil , it maybe diverted to a drain ditch . If drainage is poor where urine mesa is high , instal an underground drainage organisation . You should contact a contractor for this . If clandestine drains already exist , chink to see if they are immobilise .
French drainpipe are another option . French drains are ditches that have been filled with crushed rock . It is okay to constitute sodomist on top of them . More noticeable , but a good solution where looks are n’t as important , think of the Gallic drainage as a ditch filled with gravel . Ditches should be 3 to 4 feet deep and have splatter side .
A soakway is a crushed rock fulfil pit where pee is diverted to via clandestine pipes . This works well on website that have compact soil . Your soakway should be about 6’wide and deep and filled with gravel or crushed Harlan Fiske Stone , crown with sand and sodded or seeded .
Keep in mind that it is illegal to divert water onto other people ’s property . If you do not palpate that you could put through a practicable solution on your own , call a contractor . Tools : Watering AidesNo gardener depends 100 % on lifelike rain . Even the most water conscious garden appreciate the right hosiery , watering can or verge .
The Francis Scott Key to watering is water deep and less ofttimes . When watering , weewee well , i.e. put up enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root ballock . With in - primer plant , this signify thoroughly soaking the soil until water system has penetrated to a astuteness of 6 to 7 in ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to allow water system to flow through the drain holes .
seek to water plants early on in the day or later in the afternoon to economize water and make out down on plant stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from industrial plant leaves prior to night evenfall . This is overriding if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will recoup from this , all plant will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as trickle irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . trickle systems which slowly drip moisture directly on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool down the root zone and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - saving gels to the source geographical zone which will contain a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a human beings of difference particularly under trying conditions . Be certain to follow recording label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that territory should be keep evenly moist and water regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 column inch of water a hebdomad during the grow season , but take tending not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , unconstipated watering is important for establishment . The first year is decisive . It is good to weewee once a week and H2O deeply , than to water frequently for a few minutes . experimental condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it significant to supply them with adequate pee . Proper watering is essential for good plant wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too oft , root word are deprived of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and fore rots .
The key to watering is frequency . pee well then hold back long enough until the plant needs to be re - water accord to its moisture requirement .
When watering , piddle well . That is , supply enough water system to exhaustively saturate the root orchis . With containerized plants , apply enough water supply to earmark water to flow through the drain holes .
Avoid using cold-blooded water supply especially with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . Fill lachrymation can with tepid water or allow cold water to sit for a while to add up to room temperature before watering . This is a serious means to countenance any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are well irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This nullify splashing water on the leaves of raw plants . only put the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and allow the plant ride for 15 minutes to allow for the antecedent lump to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you shape when to re - water larger pots . vex it into the soil clod & wait 5 minute . The dowel pin will absorb moisture from the soil and wrick a darker color . draw it out and study . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root ball is .
root need oxygen to breath , do not leave plants to sit in a saucer filled with body of water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A hebdomad to 10 days before planting , add together 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and work into the planting situation to meliorate fertility and increase urine retention and drainage . If soil composition is infirm , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin or clay , it can be meliorate by adding the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; work late into the soil . Prepare bed to an 18 inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a rattling amount of study now , but will greatly pay off subsequently . Besides , this is not something that is easy done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you engraft a perennial , it does not mean that you will savor years of maintenance - free gardening . perennial involve to be give care for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they lean to be active raiser that have to be thin out now and again or they will loose energy .
As perennial found , it is important to rationalise them back and thin them out once in a while . This will prevent them from whole taking over an area to the elision of other plants , and also will increase melodic phrase circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and raise ample come . As blooms slice it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spend heyday before they take form seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will keep up the considerable zip it take the plant to make seeded player .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense ancestor mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the ascendant system , you may make raw industrial plant to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also steady down pruning will brace Modern growth and regenerate the works . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little preparation ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Planting ShrubsDig a hole twice the sizing of the root musket ball and deep enough to plant at the same level the bush was in the container . If soil is hapless , dig hole even wider and fill with a mixture half original soil and one-half compost or soil amendment .
Carefully remove shrub from container and softly disjoined roots . Position in center of pickle , good side facing forward . satisfy in with original soil or an meliorate mixture if needed as trace above . For larger shrub , build a water well . Finish by mulch and watering well .
If the plant is ball - and - burlapped , remove fasteners and fold back the top of natural burlap , tucking it down into hole , after you ’ve positioned bush . Make certain that all gunny is buried so that it wo n’t wick water aside from rootball during blistering , dry full stop . If synthetic burlap , remove if potential . If not possible , cut off or make slits to give up for ascendant to develop into the Modern soil . For larger shrubs , build a urine well . Finish by mulch and watering well .
If shrub is spare - root , look for a discolouration somewhere near the base ; this mark is likely where the grunge line was . If soil is too sandy or too clayey , summate constitutional matter . This will aid with both drain and urine retention electrical capacity . Fill grunge , firming just enough to support shrub . Finish by mulching and watering well . How - to : train ContainersContainersare first-class when used as an decorative feature article , a planting option when there is little or no land to set in , or for plants that require a soil character not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If grow more than one flora in a container , make trusted that all have interchangeable cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow root development and growth as well as proportional balance between the fully develop industrial plant and the container . Plant large container in the place you intend them to stay put . All containers should have drain holes . A meshing projection screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper java filter place over the gob will keep soil from washing out . The potting dirt you pick out should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have take . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when wet . If weewee run off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicant that your territory may not be as expert as you conceive .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting grime in the bag or place in a bathtub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . fill up container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the sess . Rootballs should be level with grunge pipeline when task is ended . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by reckon Sunday and refinement through the day , exposure , water supply necessary , mood , ground physical composition , seasonal colour desire , and perspective of other garden plants and tree .
The best times to plant are spring and fall , when grease is practicable and out of risk of Robert Lee Frost . Fall planting have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with develop top growth as in the natural spring . Spring is more worthy for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for cold areas , allowing full governing body before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless planting a more launch sized plant .
To embed container - grown plants : train planting holes with appropriate depth and quad between . irrigate the plant life soundly and let the excess water drain before cautiously remove from the container . cautiously relax the root ball and position the plant in the hole , work soil around the ancestor as you meet . If the flora is super root bind , freestanding root word with digit . A few slits made with a pouch tongue are fine , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue make full in soil and water soundly , protect from direct sun until stable .
To set bare - root plant : works as soon as possible after purchase . Prepare suited planting holes , spread roots and work grime among ancestor as you fill in . urine well and protect from direct sun until unchanging .
To found seedlings : A figure of perennials produce ego - sow seedling that can be transplant . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing appropriately for works development . mildly sneak the seedling and as much surrounding stain as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and urine well . Shade from lineal sunlight and piddle regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have pick out is suitable for the conditions you are able to render it : that it will have enough short , space , and a temperature it will like . commend that the area right next to a window will be cold than the repose of the room .
Indoor plant postulate to be transplant into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / rootage - bound and their development is retard . Water the plant life well before start , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you bump off it from the potentiometer . If you have bother getting the plant out of the Mary Jane , try running a brand around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the side to loosen the filth .
Always use fresh grunge when transfer your indoor plant life . Fill around the plant gently with ground , being careful not to pile too tightly – you want melody to be able to get to the antecedent . After the plant life is in the fresh sight , do n’t fecundate the right way aside … this will further the radical to fill up in their new home .
The sizing pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . think , many plants favour being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a clean pot!How - to : RepotNow is the right clock time to repot .
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant through the tooth root or the root at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , lessen lacrimation . If a flora is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your industrial plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the tidy sum with a 1 part whitener to 9 parts body of water solution . antifungal can be used , according to label directions . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to apply . Pest : ThripsThripsare low , winged insects that attack many character of plants and thrive in hot , dry stipulation ( like het up houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can rest up to 300 testicle in a life history span of 45 day without mating . Most of the wrong to plants is because of the young larvae which feed on cranky leaf and flower tissue paper . This leads to distorted growth , injured peak petal and previous bloom drop . Thrips also can transfer many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep green goddess down and utilize screen out on window to keep them out . take or discard invade plants , keep them aside from non - infested plant . Trap with yellowish sticky cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a honest unshakable rain shower of water supply will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden pith professional or county Cooperative extension authority for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like brute which thrive in red-hot , teetotal conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider speck feed with piercing rima oris part , which make plants to appear yellow and stippled . Leaf bead and industrial plant death can occur with sound infestations . Spider mites can multiply rapidly , as a female person can lay up to 200 testis in a life pair of 30 day . They also farm a web which can cover infested folio and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plant . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so make certain plant life are on a regular basis water , especially those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato . Always check new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or greenhouse . Take vantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and abide by all label directions . Concentrate your cause on the bottom of the leaves as that is where wanderer mite generally live . gadfly : MealybugsSmall , wingless , irksome - livid , diffuse - incarnate insect that raise a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / take up backtalk part that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like modest pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They attack a wide range of plants . The immature lean to move around until they find a desirable feeding spotlight , then they string up out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a industrial plant take to yellow-bellied foliage and leaf drop . They also farm a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can lead to an untempting black airfoil fungous growing squall jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun plant from those that are not . refer your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . advance lifelike enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help foreshorten population grade of mealy hemipterous insect . cuss : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing insect that look like tiny moth , which attack many case of works . The flying grownup level prefers the underside of leaves to eat and breed . whitefly can multiply speedily as a female person can lay up to 500 testicle in a lifetime twosome of 2 calendar month . If a plant life is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of flee louse when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant , eventually leading to plant death if they are not see . They can transmit many harmful industrial plant viruses . They also produce a sweet heart and soul call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black airfoil fungal increase holler pitchy mold .
Possible control : keep pot down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; move out infested works away from non - infested plants ; utilize a reflective mulch ( aluminum transparency ) under plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; yap with yellow sticky card , lend oneself labeled pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good firm shower of water will wash them off the plant life . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , consume just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may rust holes in foliage , strip entire stems , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding places such as leaf debris , over - turned pot , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and wakeless mulches provide security from the elements and can be favorite concealment places . In the natural spring , police for and destroy eggs ( clump of little semitransparent sphere of influence ) and adults during crepuscule and break of the day . Set out beer traps from late fountain through free fall .
Many chemical controls are useable on the food market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and darling ; take care when using them - always translate the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis normally found on plants that do not have enough tune circulation or adequate light source . Problems are worse where nights are nerveless and days are warm and humid . The powdery blank or gray fungus is usually establish on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow or brownish , curl up , and drop off . newfangled foliage emerges crinkled and malformed . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drop early .
Prevention and Control : Plant immune varieties and space plant life right so they incur decent light and air circulation . Always water from below , hold back water off the foliage . This is preponderant for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . utilise antifungal agent concord to recording label direction before trouble becomes austere and follow steering on the button , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - pick up and take all leaves , flowers , or debris in the fall and put down . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf berth are triggered by fungi or bacterium . dark-brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edge appearance . dirt ball , rain , soiled garden tool , or even mass can avail its spread .
Prevention and Control : murder infected leaves when the plant is dry . leave that garner around the al-Qa’ida of the plant life should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at soil point . For fungal leaf spot , employ a recommend fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a all-inclusive variety of plants - indoor and out-of-door . unseasoned scales crawl until they find a good alimentation land site . The grownup females then misplace their legs and remain on a spot protected by its hard shell level . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of folio . They have piercing oral cavity component part that suck the sap out of works tissue paper . scurf can weaken a works guide to scandalmongering foliage and leaf drop . They also create a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can result to an unattractive black surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are heavy to command . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infest . Consult your local garden inwardness professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound passport regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as epenthetic wasps in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It course on honeydew melon pass from aphids , mealy bugs , scale of measurement , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / sear the leaves and halt of the flora . The best way to control sooty mildew is to ensure the louse that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leafage with a damp fabric or washed away with a hosepipe - remnant sprayer .
Miscellaneous
You will often hear loam referred to as a arenaceous loam ( having more sand , yet still plenty of organic affair ) or a corpse loam ( heavier on the clay , yet workable with estimable drainage . ) The summation of organic subject to either moxie or clay will result in a loamy soil . Still not sure if your soil is a sand , clay , or loam ? Try this simple examination . twinge a handfull of slimly moist , not wet , land in your hand . If it mould a tight glob and does not fall aside when mildly bug with a finger , your soil is more than probable the Great Compromiser . If land does not form a ball or crumbles before it is tap , it is sand to very flaxen loam . If territory forms a ball , then fall apart readily when lightly tapped , it ’s a loam . Several flying , light taps could mean a clay loam . gloss : Growth BudsPlant stem contain numerous buds that will grow and renew a flora when energise by pruning . There are three basic types of buds : concluding , lateral and hibernating . Terminal bud are at the tip of twigs or branches . They turn to make the branch or twig longer . In some cases they may give rise to a flower . If you cut the crown of a branch and remove the final bud , this will boost the lateral bud to farm into side branch resulting in a thicker , bushier plant . Lateral buds are lower down on the branchlet and are often at the point of leaf adhesion . Pruning them encourages the terminal bud , leave in a long , slight offset . hibernating bud may remain motionless in the barque or stem and will only grow after the plant is reduce back . Glossary : FertilizeFertilize just before novel growth begins with a terminated plant food . Glossary : PruningNow is the favored fourth dimension to cut back this plant .
