Begonia Varieties with Dark Leaves: A Guide for Gardeners
Begonias are beautiful plants that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. They come in a wide variety of colors and shapes, and some varieties even have dark leaves. Dark-leaved begonias are a great way to add drama and interest to your garden.
Popular Varieties of Begonias with Dark Leaves
There are many different varieties of begonias with dark leaves. Some of the most popular varieties include:
- Dancing Peacock: This variety has stunning pink, purple, and black foliage. It produces small pink blooms when grown in ideal conditions.
- Jurassic Silver Swirl: This tropical begonia has unique black leaves with a distinctive silver swirled pattern. It can be grown as an annual or a perennial in frost-free regions.
- Megawatt Red Bronze: This variety has deep бронз foliage and bright pink-red flowers. It is often used as a bedding plant.
- Sophia: This angel wing begonia has fantastic foliage in shades of deep purple-mahogany and black. It can reach impressive heights.
- Sparks Will Fly: This variety is perfect for containers and hanging baskets. It produces dark purple leaves with green veining and an abundance of bright orange blooms.
How to Grow Dark-Leaved Begonias
Dark-leaved begonias are relatively easy to grow. They prefer to grow in moist, well-drained soil in part shade. They should be watered regularly, but allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. Fertilize your begonias monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
The Best Dark-Leaved Begonias for Containers
Dark-leaved begonias are a great choice for containers. They are relatively compact and can tolerate being slightly rootbound. Some of the best varieties for containers include:
- Dancing Peacock
- Jurassic Silver Swirl
- Megawatt Red Bronze
- Sparks Will Fly
The Most Dramatic Dark-Leaved Begonias
Some dark-leaved begonias are more dramatic than others. These varieties are sure to make a statement in your garden:
- Jurassic Silver Swirl
- Sophia
- Sparks Will Fly
How to Care for Dark-Leaved Begonias
Dark-leaved begonias are relatively low-maintenance plants. However, there are a few things you can do to keep them looking their best:
- Water your begonias regularly, but allow them to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Fertilize your begonias monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth.
- Protect your begonias from frost.
With proper care, your dark-leaved begonias will thrive and add beauty to your garden for many years to come.
