Dragon Wing White

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Begoniaceae

Order

Cucurbitales

Genus

Begonia

Species

hybrida

Description

A hardy and vigorous ornamental herbaceous plant. It differs from Begonia semperflorens, known as Begonia semperflorens, due to its larger flower size, better compactness and rich branching and leaves. The habit differs depending on the variety and can be erect or drooping, while the very decorative foliage comes in different shades of green or bronze. Easy to manage, it adapts well to hot summer climates. It is ideal for use in landscaping where in flower beds, including roadside verges, it creates visual displays with a highly decorative effect; it is also suitable for decorating terraces and balconies in planters and pots.

Species video

https://youtu.be/PtN6Gakocqk

Variety description

It is an ideal plant for landscape use due to its performance in flowerbeds, where with just a few plants per square metre large areas can be covered in colour from May to October. With its large, white flowers borne on a long, semi-rigid stalk, it is visually striking, even from a distance. In cultivation, b. Dragon wing occurs later than b. Sensy. It needs high temperatures at the beginning of cultivation, so as not to have any slowdowns or problems in growth. It is tolerant to the most common begonia diseases and very resistant in hot and water scarce conditions. Like all dragon wing begonias, white lends itself well to being grown and used in hanging baskets.

Curiosities and special features

Through hybridisation techniques, begonias are now available in numerous varieties that are appreciated for their vigorous growth as well as for the wide colour range of their blooms and are used both in landscaping to decorate flower beds, including roadside verges, and to add a colourful accent to terraces and balconies in large pots and planters.

Origin and distribution

Begonias are native to the tropical and subtropical zones of Africa (Cameroon and South Africa), Asia (China and Sri Lanka) and America (Brazil, Amazonia, Peru); knowledge of where this genus of ornamental plants originates from is important to help us understand certain factors related to their environmental and cultivation requirements. The term begonia was coined by C. Plumier, a French botanist who first introduced it to the European continent, in honour of M. Begon, a 17th century governor of the West Indies.

Flower size

The flower is large compared to other varieties of the same species.

Leaf

Leaf has a cordate-reniform, Obovata-based lamina.

Flowering period

Flowering lasts from late spring to early autumn for a duration of 130 to 160 days.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence panicle.

Leaf colour

Solid colour, in perfect colour contrast with the blooms.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.4 to 0.6 m, making it ideal for mixed compositions with other ornamentals, achieving refined perspective views.

Lifespan

Cultivated as an annual plant because, depending on the climatic conditions, it may not resist for long at the onset of low temperatures.

Where to plant

It is suitable for adorning green spaces with a high decorative value, and is in fact considered a typical plant for flowerbeds , terraces, outdoor tubs, large pots, planters, large flowerbeds and roadside roundabouts

Stem

The stem is herbaceous and the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in form, large in size, with an irregular corolla and plain petals. It is arranged in medium-sized panicle-like inflorescences. It flowers from late spring to early autumn, with a flowering period of between 130 and 160 days. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

Growth is vigorous; the plant achieves optimal development if the cultural conditions it needs are guaranteed.

Plant habit

It has a semi-recumbent habit of growth, giving a scenic appearance to flowerbeds and borders.

Branching

The branching is medium and proportionate.

PH

For hybrid begonia, the optimal pH of the soil or medium is sub-acidic, with values between 5.5 and 5.8.

Soil preparation

To prepare the soil for transplanting, dig 20/30 cm deep by removing any bulky stones, weeds and residues of previous crops. Chop up the clods well to obtain greater softness and carefully level the surface.

Sun exposure

It adapts to any exposure: half shade, light shade, full sun, afternoon sun; for best flowering, sunny positions are recommended, paying attention to water requirements.

Ideal climate and temperature

The biological temperature is between 6 and 34 °C. The ideal temperature is between 18 and 20 °C; it adapts well to hot summer climates.

Use

It is considered, in relation to its growth, bearing and flowering characteristics, to be ideal as a field plant:
Outdoor Landscape Design Landscaping

Hardiness

It is a moderately hardy plant.

Soil

It prefers a medium-textured, well-draining soil; for use in pots and planters, a substrate for spring plants containing peat and perlite is recommended.

Difficulty

Cultivation is moderately difficult, but with appropriate irrigation and fertilisation will ensure excellent growth and flowering results.

Growing tips

In order to achieve optimal growth, the following precautions and cultivation conditions must be considered:

Expose the plant to maximum light Keep the substrate dry at low temperatures Prefers warm and humid climate

Combinations with other plants

Flower bed or planter arrangements are recommended with other ornamental species such as Coleus blumei, Heuchera, Euphorbia Euphoria white, Impatiens New Guinea, Impatiens walleriana, Solenostemon coleoides or with other varieties of the same species Begonia x hybrida with flowers of different hues or shades of colour.

Planting

For bed planting we recommend an average density of 15 plants per square metre in order to achieve optimum growth of each individual specimen and a proportionate final composition. We suggest placing each seedling on a raised bed, burying the lump completely and taking care not to injure the roots, then water immediately after planting, preferably during the morning hours.

Propagation

By stem or Leaf cutting.

Watering

Use rainwater, alternatively from the aqueduct, either manually or by means of an irrigation system. It is advisable to allow the substrate or soil to dry slightly between each watering, remembering that a correct method of irrigation can prevent the development of fungal diseases and root rot; it is also necessary to attend to the seedling immediately after transplanting to ensure correct root development in the new site by keeping it at a constant humidity. Do not water the aerial part of the plant directly if it is exposed to direct light; in particular, do not use water that is too cold to avoid possible burning of the leaf edges.

Fertilising

Following proper establishment in the new planting site, during the spring-summer period, apply a specific liquid fertiliser for ornamentals to the soil or medium at the foot of the plant, i.e. diluted in the irrigation water, without exceeding the frequency and doses applied.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible ornamental variety.

Tip

Ensure that the potting soil at the start has an EC of no more than 1.0. Leaf wetting should be avoided in bright areas or during the hottest hours of the day with direct sunlight because it causes localised burns at the water droplets. Due to its semi-iricadent habit it can be used in large hanging baskets, under trees or on street lamps. When used in flowerbeds it adapts to all exposures, from full sun to shade, changing foliage morphology and flower quantity according to brightness. When placed in direct sun all day the foliage becomes too compact and opaque, the flowers are smaller with dark pink and cream shades. A more sheltered position, with only a few hours of direct sun per day, is therefore recommended in order to best maintain its vigorous and beautiful characteristics. It is a variety that does not require much water and therefore adapts well to the new requirements that favour low water consumption and low maintenance plants.