Culture
Grow in well-drained, humusy soil in bright light but not too much direct sunlight. Water regularly when actively growing but reduce watering in winter or when plant growth is slow. Can tolerate short periods of drought. Wet soil, especially cold wet soil, can lead to root and stem rots. Many cane-like begonias are suitable as indoor plants, others do well as summer bedding plants.
'Canary Wing' will produce the showiest display of blooms with some full sun. Part shade conditions are ideal, but afternoon sun should be avoided.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Begonia is a genus of about 1,300 species of annuals, perennials, shrubs and climbers. Most have fleshy stems. Some produce underground tubers or rhizomes. They are grown for their showy flowers, leaves, or both. Begonias can be divided into 7 informal groups by growth habit: Cane-like, rex-cultorum, rhizomatous, semperflorens, tuberous, trailing or scandent, thick-stemmed and shrub-like.
Cane-like begonias are evergreen, perennial plants primarily from Brazil. They are generally upright growing with bamboo-like stems and are grown for their interesting form as well as attractive leaves and flowers. They have semi-woody stems and fibrous roots.
Genus name honors Michael Begon (1638-1710), Governor of French Canada.
'Canary Wing' is a hybrid cane-like begonia selection that features glossy, colorful foliage and a showy display of blooms. Mature plants will reach up to 18" tall with a similar spread, taking on a mounding to trailing growth habit. New foliage emerges golden yellow before maturing to chartreuse green. Pendulous clusters of red blooms are produced seasonally. Plant patent number PP27149 applies to this cultivar.
Problems
Subject to whitefly, thrips, mites and mealybugs. Susceptible to powdery mildew, botrytis, and stem rot, especially in humid conditions with poor air circulation.
Uses
Best in outdoor container plantings, hanging baskets, or used as a summer bedding annual.