Begonia semperflorens

The wax or bedding begonia — a tidy, weatherproof annual covered all season in small waxy red, pink and white flowers above glossy green or bronze leaves.
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  • Rose Comet F1 Pink seeds (Begonia semperflorens) – annual Rose Comet F1 Pink (Begonia semperflorens) – annual seeds from SeedsChoice
    20%
    €5,56€6,95

    Pink annual bedding begonia for compact displays begonia rose comet seeds are selected for a neat, compact habit and a bright pink flower display that suits many decorative garden settings. This annual variety is widely...

  • Red Comet seeds (Begonia semperflorens) – annual Red Comet (Begonia semperflorens) – annual seeds from SeedsChoice
    20%
    €5,56€6,95

    Begonia variety for bright seasonal red displays begonia red comet seeds are a popular choice for creating vivid, uniform colour in seasonal flower plantings. This annual begonia is valued for its compact habit and reliable...

  • €5,95

    Mixed annual begonias for beds and containers begonia seeds are a popular choice for creating a colourful display of annual bedding flowers in borders, group plantings, and patio pots. This mixed selection is based on...

Begonia semperflorens — the wax begonia

Begonia semperflorens is the botanical name for the wax or bedding begonia, a tidy, reliable annual covered all season in small, waxy flowers of red, pink and white above glossy green or bronze leaves. It is the species behind much of our bedding begonia range within the flower seed collection.

History & origin

Derived from species native to Brazil, the wax begonia was developed into one of the most dependable of all bedding plants, valued for flowering non-stop whatever the weather and for thriving equally in sun or shade — a versatility few summer flowers can match.

The genus Begonia honours Michel Bégon, a French patron of botany, while the species epithet semperflorens means "ever-flowering," a fitting description of its tireless, season-long display.

Botanical characteristics

A compact, mound-forming tender perennial grown as an annual, it makes neat domes of rounded, fleshy leaves — green or attractive bronze — studded continuously with small flowers. Self-cleaning and weatherproof, it needs no deadheading, making it a mainstay of our container-friendly flowers and a dependable choice among our ornamental flowers for beds, edging and pots.

Growing Begonia semperflorens from seed

The seed is dust-fine, so sow early in warmth, scattering on the surface and not covering, kept humid and bright to germinate. Prick out carefully, grow on frost-free and plant out after the last frost into rich, moist, well-drained soil in sun or part shade. Our flower growing guide and flower sowing calendar cover the timing.

Ready to grow begonias? Browse the varieties or learn the basics first.

Related categories: Begonia · Container Flowers · Ornamental Flowers · Annual Flowers · All Flower Seeds

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What is Begonia semperflorens?
It is the botanical name for the wax or bedding begonia, one of the most dependable summer annuals, flowering non-stop in sun or shade. Why is it called semperflorens?
The name means "ever-flowering" — the plant blooms continuously all season without a pause. Does it need deadheading?
No — it is self-cleaning and weatherproof, dropping spent flowers on its own, so it needs no deadheading. How do I sow the fine seed?
Sow early in warmth, scattering the dust-fine seed on the surface without covering, kept humid and bright; it grows slowly at first.