Exotic begonias draw oohs and ahhs

When it comes to exotic beauty, few plants compare to the begonia.

The plants, which are popular around the world, are enjoyed as bedding plants and greenhouse flowers. There are many types of begonias in various horticultural classifications.

Canelike begonias grow large airy flower clusters on tall bamboolike stems, while shrublike types grow upright flowers on branching stems. These are uncommon and not often seen in Utah.

Rhizomatous begonias have interesting leaves year-round, and their flower clusters grow like clouds above the foliage. Trailing — or scandent — begonias are vinelike and are usually only seen in warmer climes.

Rex begonias have glorious, colorful leaves and are primarily indoor plants. The showy leaves often overshadow the flowers, and the plants grow well and propagate easily from stem or leaf cuttings.

Begonia semperflorens is the common fibrous rooted begonia that is widely used as a bedding plant in area gardens. It has an abundance of flower and foliage colors and is widely used in shady annual gardens.

Tuberous begonias have the showiest flowers of any of these plants. Gardeners ooh and ahh over these exotic flowers that come in myriad colors.

The flowers on tuberous begonias range from small (about a half inch) to large (the size of dinner plates), and they come in singles to full doubles in almost every color except shades of blue.

Depending on the variety, plants may have camellia, ruffled camellia or rosebud-type flowers. Some are picotees — which means they have different color edges — and some begonias are even fragrant. Double flowers are male, and single flowers female.

Tuberous begonias grow from tubers — underground swollen stems that grow much like a potato. These tubers are not cold hardy, so you must dig and store them in a frost-free place before replanting them in the spring.

If you don't have storage space, don't worry. Local nurseries have the tubers — or plenty of plants in bloom — to get your garden off to a good start this spring.

To get the most out of your flowers, pick the best specimens. Begonias are beautiful but fragile. Harsh winds and hot, direct sun are their enemies. Find the right spot and these plants will reward you with incomparable flowers.