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New Gardener needs help please...

Posted by ilmh4life Indiana (My Page) on
Tue, Sep 1, 09 at 21:46

I have a begonia that I bought in the spring. The tag says "Begonia Veronica" and underneath says "Amstel Begonia" I have searched and searched for answers on various internet sites, but have not found what I am looking for. I would like to know what kind of begonia this is and how to care for it. Can I bring it in and keep it growing during the winter? This is the first begonia of any kind that I have not killed very quickly. Right now it is in a pot on my back patio where it is thriving. The plant seems to be mostly large green leaves. They are nice, but the beauty of the flowers are buried under the leaves. Can I prune the leaves? Seems like I tried that last summer with a begonia and killed it. I am wondering if the leaves can be cut from the top, the bottom or at all? Thanks.


Follow-Up Postings:

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RE: New Gardener needs help please...

After a search on line for those names, it appears you have a Rieger (Hiemalis) begonia. Most of these are treated as annuals but you can overwinter them with limited success (in my limited experience with these).

I would only trim leaves that are oviously bad but it shouldn't hurt to trim away leaves you find objectionable (as long as you keep a majority of leaves for growth).

I think if you give them plenty of light then you may be able to keep them going. The few I've tried always kick the bucket sooner or later and I believe it is due to inadequate light and watering practices. They are great growers in summer but lackluster in winter under lights so it is not a huge deal if they go to the compost heap after fall.

Here was mine from last year. It held on most of the winter but finally succumbed in March. R.I.P.


 
 

 

 


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