Kathryn Cates Moore: Ode to the begonia

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Over the years I’ve had favorite annuals.

They weren’t always the ones that popped out of containers and took attention away from the others crowded together — not necessarily the stars.

Last year, I was smitten by the coleus family. All of the multicolored foliage — deep purples, lime greens and orange oranges took my breath away.

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And the fact that some even worked in the bright sun made them doubly durable.

But I’m a fickle gardener, and this year I have a new favorite.

Goodbye, Coleus.

Hello, Begonia.

Although I’ve always been fond  of the utilitarian “wax” begonia, which has been a workhorse annual for years, it is not my favorite.

And I do love the tuberous begonias that are a burst of color when placed in a dark, shady corner.

But after discovering the “angel wing” varieties (these are cane begonias) a few years ago, they are a staple in my shade containers.

Besides the red and pink, with emerald waxy leaves, there are all kinds of new ones available with serrated leaves and splashy white spots.

They bloom and bloom and bloom and grow into full, gracefully drooping plants that don’t need a lot of extra care.

As if that’s not enough, many nurseries this year have gone a step further, bringing out quart containers of Rex begonias, which have been called the “showboats” of the begonia world in catalogs.

My new favorite is a Nautilus Rex variety that has a band of silver and a band of raspberry pink and swirls from the top, down to a perfect point.

There are almost too many to choose from, and if they make it through the summer, I’m planning on over-wintering them so I can enjoy the stunning colors for months indoors.

And if they make the grade, these begonias will still be my favorites next year.

Unless something better comes along.

Reach Kathryn Cates Moore at 473-7214 or kmoore@journalstar.com.