Plant Primer: Rieger Begonia, Elatior begonias

Rieger begonia, Elatior begonias

Light: bright, indirect light

Height: 8-12 inches

Spread: 8-12 inches

USDA Hardiness Zones: 11-12

Origin: hybrid (Begonia x tuberhybrida and Begonia socotrana)

Rieger begonias (Begonia x hiemalis) are a winter- and spring-flowering plant. These upright plants have large, 3- to 4-inch, dark-green leaves with heavy, pronounced veining. The leaf petioles are thick, fleshy and covered with fine hairs.

The flowers are perched on top, in clusters or groupings. The flowers are 1- to 2-inches across. The flowers have no scent, but brighten any room with colorful flowers in shades of red, pink, orange, yellow and white.

Best-known for winter flowering, and with similar needs as poinsettias and phalaenopsis orchids, they need cool temperatures and short days to initiate flower bloom. 

New Rieger begonia hybrids are bred to bloom all year — talk about brightening a room. Rieger begonias make a nice addition to an outdoor summer shade container or can be kept inside to be enjoyed all year.

See Rieger begonias in the Himalayan Mountain Biome at Franklin Park Conservatory  and Botanical Gardens.

— Barbara Arnold

Franklin Park Conservatory