Garden hybrid
This is a garden hybrid, bred from more than one wild species, so it has no single species page of its own.
11 other cultivars
‘Solenia Chocolate Orange’Solenia Chocolate Orange Begonia
‘Fragrant Falls’Fragrant Falls Begonia
‘Beauvilia White’Beauvilia White Begonia
‘Charles Jaros’Charles Jaros Tuberous Begonia
‘Surefire White’Surefire White Begonia
‘Metallic Mist’Begonia Metallic Mist
‘Lace Apricot’Lace Apricot Begonia
‘Beauvilia Dark Salmon’Beauvilia Dark Salmon Begonia
‘Barbara Rogers’Begonia Barbara Rogers
‘Dragon Wing Pink’Dragon Wing Pink Begonia
‘Cocktail’Wax Begonia 'Cocktail Series'
The Story
Plant Bio
Begonia x hybrida 'Crackling Fire' is a tender perennial known for its lush, asymmetrical foliage and vibrant, flame-like flower clusters in shades of red and orange, providing striking visual appeal.
This cultivar is distinguished by its intense, fiery-colored blooms that appear throughout the growing season, making it a standout choice for containers and shaded garden beds.
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
9, 10
Water
Consistent moisture
Humidity
High humidity preferred
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Tropical regions
Toxicity
Toxic to pets
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck healthy cuttings into moist soil in spring.
- Mist regularly to keep humidity high.
- Place in partial shade for best color.
- Water consistently but avoid waterlogging.
- Fertilize monthly during active growth.
- Divide every 2-3 years in early spring.
Pro Tip
Maintain high humidity and consistent moisture for vibrant foliage.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Keep soil moist but well-drained 🌱
- Place in partial shade for best color
- Fertilize monthly during growing season
Don't
- Avoid direct full sun ❌
- Don’t let soil dry out completely
- Refrain from over-fertilizing
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Lift Store |
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
Crackling Fire Begonia questions
What zones can Crackling Fire Begonia grow in?
Crackling Fire Begonia is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Crackling Fire Begonia deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Crackling Fire Begonia, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Crackling Fire Begonia bloom?
Crackling Fire Begonia typically blooms in summer to fall through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Crackling Fire Begonia need full sun?
Crackling Fire Begonia 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 Crackling Fire Begonia 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.