One of my favorite groups of flowering annuals for the summer season are begonias. Let’s take a look at great choices for the sun and shade. The first begonia is the 2019 Mississippi Medallion winner Whopper Red with Bronze Leaf Improved that produces big red blooms along with shimmery, bronze leaves. This plant has dazzling three inch diameter flowers from spring to fall. Plus, this plant can grow and thrive in the full Mississippi sun. Tolerance to hot and humid Mississippi garden conditions is a reason Dragon Wing begonia was chosen as a Mississippi Medallion winner in 2002. This continues to be a winner with its attractive green and lush wing shaped foliage. The flowers are produced practically non-stop in scarlet red clusters that will dangle from the bushy mounds. This is a vigorous growing plant in full shade but prefers partial shade that will add to its summer performance. A great choice for a beautiful container plant has to be the easy to grow Torch Red Angel Wing begonia. This selection is everblooming and produces bright red flower clusters at almost every node along the canes. The green leaves are pointed, and the undersides are deep red. In the full shade the flower color is a lighter shade of red. The most robust color is produced when grown in the morning sun with afternoon shade. Be sure to grow your begonias in well drained potting mix as these plants don’t like wet feet. I’m horticulturist Gary Bachman and I’ll see you next time on Southern Gardening.
