Bush begonia
Begonias can be divided into three groups: tuberous, deciduous, ornamental, bush (which branch at the base).
Deciduous and decorative begonias
They, in turn, can be divided into two sort groups:
- royal begonias - a small number of whole-edged large leaves with bright wide stripes on a dark base;
- diadem begonias hybrids - numerous small or medium-sized ones with serrated edges or cut leaves, pink, greenish, silvery tones prevail in color.
In indoor conditions, the second cultivar group is more hardy than the first. Diadem begonia hybrids are propagated by cuttings of the tops of shoots, as well as growing from seeds.
Bush begonia
It forms short or rather high stems. Leaves can also be small or larger and, as a rule, they are brightly colored, of different shapes. Most bush begonias have loose, multi-flowered brushes that are located on vertical peduncles or directed at an angle. And the flowers themselves can be large or smaller, white or pink. Bush begonia is easily propagated by cutting the tops or parts of the leaves, and most by dividing the stem. To give the plant the correct shape with the onset of spring days, it is pruned (or can be pinched), and then transplanted.
Tuberous begonias
This separate group of begonias consists of numerous varieties: low-growing herbaceous plants with succulent green or white-pink stems, large attractive leaves and brightly colored single flowers of different doubleness. Tuberous begonias bloom for a long time, almost completely all summer and even autumn. If they are additionally pollinated, then they "seed" remarkably: 1 gram contains from 80,000 to 120,000 seeds. These plants require dormancy for about two to three months, and the tubers should be kept in a cool, dark and dry place. Tuberous begonias reproduce, despite the name, by seeds, and very rarely this can be done by dividing the tubers.