Robert John Thornton (1768-1837) / Public domain
garden
Begonia
Begonia
Medicinal
Overview
A vast genus of tropical and subtropical plants with over 2,000 species, valued for their stunning foliage and delicate blooms. Begonias range from tiny ground-hugging species to towering cane types, with leaves in every pattern imaginable — spotted, spiraled, metallic, and deeply veined. They are among the most popular shade-garden plants worldwide.
Growing Conditions
LightPartial Sun
MoistureModerate
Hardiness Zones6 — 9
Height1m
Spread0.3m
Growth HabitForb/herb
Pollinator Valuemoderate
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Soil pH5.5 — 6.5
Soil TypeLight, humus-rich, well-drained soil or potting mix
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Start Indoors | Jan — Feb | Start indoors 12-16 weeks early; dust-like seeds need light; very slow |
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | Jun — Jun | Transplant after all frost; sun or shade; annual |
| Cold (1-2) | Bloom | Jun — Sep | Continuous bloom from planting to frost; no deadheading |
| Cool (3-4) | Transplant | May — Jun | Transplant after last frost; bronze-leaf types handle more sun |
| Cool (3-4) | Bloom | Jun — Oct | Self-cleaning; very tidy border plant |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Apr — May | Transplant in spring; wax begonias need no deadheading |
| Moderate (5-7) | Bloom | May — Oct | Bloom spring through fall; excellent in containers |
| Warm (8-9) | Transplant | Mar — Apr | Plant in spring; tolerates sun if watered; shade in afternoon |
| Warm (8-9) | Bloom | Mar — Nov | Nearly year-round bloom with protection |
| Hot (10+) | Transplant | Feb — Mar | Plant early; shade essential in hot zones; keep evenly moist |
| Hot (10+) | Bloom | Feb — Nov | Long bloom season; dig tuberous types before frost |
Uses
Medicinal
- Some species used traditionally for skin irritation and inflammation
- Begonia grandis used in Chinese herbal medicine
- Leaf poultices applied to minor wounds in folk medicine
Other Uses
- Premier shade container and bedding plant
- Houseplant for low-light interiors
- Collector species with extraordinary leaf patterns
