With 1,831 species, Begonia is one of the largest genera of flowering plants. The species are terrestrial (sometimes epiphytic) herbs or undershrubs, and occur in subtropical and tropical moist climates, in South and Central America, Africa, and southern Asia. Begonia x hiemalis is a tuberous type, sometimes called Rieger or winter-flowering begonia. As a houseplant, they prefer a bright area, which is necessary for continued flowering. Keep them near a sunny window, but avoid direct sunlight. Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 to 11, Rieger begonias are usually grown as houseplants. Many people buy them in the fall to have flowers in the home all winter.
A friend who spends half a year in Florida and half in New York decided to fly back to Florida despite the pandemic. She self-quarantined for 2 weeks. I was so happy to get her phone call; I’d really missed her. We talked occasionally on the phone during the last 8 months but it’s not the same. We decided to get together keeping masks on and distancing. I had more fun in those 2 hours than I can ever tell you. She surprised me with a pot of red begonias. She knows I love flowers and said ‘I know you’ll take photos on put it on your blog.’ That is just what I am doing. I put the pot of begonias on my wooden slab on the dining table. It’s next to sliding glass doors and get lots of light. I added my little red gnome beside it. Read More
