perennial

Wax Begonia 'Cocktail Series'

Begonia x hybrida 'Cocktail'

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:

Ornamental UsesProvides vibrant color and lush foliage, brightening shaded areas.
Practical UsesPrefers moist, well-drained soils, ideal for shaded garden beds.
Ecological BenefitsSupports pollinators like insects attracted to its flowers.
Garden hybrid

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

  1. Tuck seeds or cuttings into moist soil in spring.
  2. Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist.
  3. Place in partial shade for best color display.
  4. Fertilize monthly during growing season.
  5. Pinch back to encourage bushier growth.
  6. 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

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Lift Store
Pest Check
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Colorful shaded borderContainer plant for patiosUnderstory plant in shaded gardens

Companion Plants

Ferns Hostas Caladiums ImpatiensColeus

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.

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.