3 named cultivars

annual

Wax Begonia

Begonia semperflorens

The Story

Plant Bio

Begonia × semperflorens-cultorum is a compact, mounded, succulent herbaceous perennial widely grown as a warm-season annual. It features fleshy stems, glossy rounded leaves, and clusters of single or double flowers in shades of white, pink, and red from spring until the first frost.

The foliage ranges from light green to dark bronze-red, with bronze-leaved cultivars demonstrating superior tolerance to direct sun. The root system is fibrous and highly sensitive to excess moisture, requiring exceptional soil drainage to prevent decay.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides continuous, colorful blooms and glossy, attractive foliage in beds, borders, and containers throughout the warm season.

Offers excellent resistance to deer and rabbit browsing, making it reliable in areas with high wildlife pressure.

Attracts bees and generalist insect pollinators, though it does not support specialized nectar-feeders.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Annual

Height

12"

Width

12"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Annual

Native To

South America

Toxicity

Toxic to pets and humans

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with well-drained, humus-rich soil and a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Space plants six to twelve inches apart to ensure adequate air circulation and prevent fungal diseases.
Water at the base of the plant to keep the soil consistently moist while keeping the foliage dry.
Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every few weeks throughout the active growing season.

Pro Tip

Never cover the dust-like seeds during propagation, as they require direct light exposure to trigger germination.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in highly permeable soil to prevent root and stem rot.
Pinch back leggy stems occasionally to maintain a compact, mounded shape.
Provide partial shade for green-leaved cultivars to prevent leaf scorch.

Don't

Do not overwater or allow the plant to sit in waterlogged soil.
Do not cover the seeds with soil when sowing, as they need light to germinate.
Do not plant outdoors until all danger of frost has passed.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Pest Check
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Border EdgingMass PlantingContainer PlantingWindow Boxes

Companion Plants

Impatiens walleriana Heuchera Lobelia erinus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Wax Begonia questions

What zones can Wax Begonia grow in?

Wax Begonia 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 deer resistant?

Yes — Wax Begonia is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Wax Begonia bloom?

Wax Begonia typically blooms in spring through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Wax Begonia need full sun?

Wax Begonia does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.