The Story
Plant Bio
Begonia x hybrida 'Cocktail' is a versatile perennial with bushy growth, featuring attractive asymmetrical foliage and clusters of small, vibrant flowers in shades of pink, red, and white, often used as bedding or container plants.
This cultivar is prized for its striking, multicolored flowers and its ability to thrive in shaded, well-drained environments, making it a popular choice for bright, shaded garden spots.
Uses & Benefits:
Bred from more than one wild species, so it has no species page of its own.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
12 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
10
Water
Requires regular moisture
Humidity
Prefers moderate to high humidity
Lifespan
Tender perennial, grown as an annual
Native To
Cultivated hybrid
Toxicity
Toxic to pets
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds or cuttings into moist soil in spring.
- Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist.
- Place in partial shade for best color display.
- Fertilize monthly during growing season.
- Pinch back to encourage bushier growth.
- Mulch around base to retain moisture.
Pro Tip
Maintain consistent moisture for vibrant foliage and blooms.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
- Fertilize monthly during active growth
- Place in partial shade for optimal color
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t expose to direct full sun
- Skip fertilizing during winter
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Lift Store | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Wax Begonia 'Cocktail Series' questions
What zones can Wax Begonia 'Cocktail Series' grow in?
Wax Begonia 'Cocktail Series' is hardy in USDA Zone 10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Wax Begonia 'Cocktail Series' deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Wax Begonia 'Cocktail Series', especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Wax Begonia 'Cocktail Series' bloom?
Wax Begonia 'Cocktail Series' typically blooms in spring to frost through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Wax Begonia 'Cocktail Series' need full sun?
Wax Begonia 'Cocktail Series' does best in part shade.
More Begonia to compare

Picotee Tuberous Begonia
Begonia x tuberhybrida 'Picotee Mix'

Hardy Begonia
Begonia x tuberhybrida 'Hardy Begonia'

Mistral Pink Begonia
Begonia begonia 'Mistral Pink'

Wildwood Purity Begonia
Begonia grandis 'Wildwood Purity'

Smooch Begonia
Begonia x tuberhybrida 'Smooch'

Solenia Chocolate Orange Begonia
Begonia x hybrida 'Solenia Chocolate Orange'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Wax Begonia 'Cocktail Series' with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.











