Several years ago my friend Bonnie offered me a slip from one of her favorite potted plants, a large leafy begonia. I placed the cutting in a glass of water next to the window by the sink until roots filled the glass. Then I placed it in a clay pot filled with planting mix. For a couple of years I kept the plant in the house, pinching out the tips of new growth until I realized this begonia need room to stretch. So outside it went.

In the filtered light, more partial shade than direct sun, the begonia thrived, protected by a wooden fence and the overhang of a crepe myrtle tree. I stopped pinching out the tips and basically ignored the plant. The long arching stems reached high above the pot and draped atop a birdbath. The speckled triangular leaves added a touch of whimsy to the angel statue I had set in the middle of the dish.

photos by Launa Herrmann

This summer I truly reaped the reward of nurturing that begonia slip. I had no idea that in the scorching heat it would set bloom and surprise me with a dangling display of flower clusters. A truly gorgeous ball of pink.

Until researching this particular plant and writing this blog, I had no idea how many different begonia types exist. Although I still can't confirm its exact horticultural name, I know my plant is a cane begonia, often commonly called “Angel Wing” begonia. Leaves can grow up to 14 inches in length with stems stretching up to 12 feet.

No longer do I fret that I can't grow the compact brilliant-colored Tuberous begonias in Vacaville's hot climate or that the exotic-leafed Rex begonia lasts only a limited time as a houseplant in my home. Instead, I'm captivated by the endless possibilities of begonias I've yet to try. You'll see what I mean when you visit the long list of multiple categories displayed in the Virtual Greenhouse on the American Begonia Society's website. Be sure to click on the “Begonia Name” to view photographs of each one. (And should you discover the identity of my begonia, please let me know.)

Here's the link:

http://www.begonias.org/greenhouse/imagelisting.htm