Want foliage and flowers for three seasons of beauty in your garden or on your patio? Then try Angel Wing and Dragon Wing begonias. Both are cane variety begonias and both provide interest either as single specimens or mixed with varieties of begonias and other shade-loving plantings.
Difference between Angel Wing, Dragon Wing begonias
The terms Angel Wing/angel leaf and Dragon Wing/dragon leaf are often used interchangeably. Both are named for the shape of their leaves. But officially, the difference is in the foliage and growth habit of the two.
Angel Wing
Distinguished by obliquely-shaped leaves that are identified by serrated edging and red undersides, angel wings have an upright cane stem and can grow 5 to 6 feet tall. The leaves can grow to 5 or 6 inches long. The leaves are usually spotted or have a frosted pattern with jagged or serrated edging. They produce blooms that range in colors from red and pink to white. The angel wing and the waxed leaf begonia were crossed to develop the dragon wing.
Dragon Wing
The Dragon Wing also belongs to the cane variety, but the stems are 2 to 4 feet long and less sturdy, so the stems arch gracefully. The leaves can be 2 to 5 inches long and a deep, glossy green. The clusters of flowers range from bright red to pink to white and continue for most of the year.
Dragon Wings are often grown in hanging baskets as their hanging stems and drooping blooms make a very attractive and easy care patio plant.
Growing conditions
Both Angel Wing and Dragon Wing varieties are easy to grow if you understand their needs.
As all begonias originated in the tropics, the ideal growing conditions include high humidity, diffused light and good air circulation. The begonias were growing on the ground in their natural state and considered semi-succulents, seen by the moisture contained in their stems. So even though they come from the tropics, they do not survive in soggy soil.
Soil
Begonias should be planted in an organic soil that drains well. Some sources recommend a soil-less mix containing peat moss and perlite or vermiculite. The soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings and then watered thoroughly so that it drains out the bottom of the pot.
Water
They do not like wet feet. Do not let the plants sit in a saucer of water. Do not let the plant have wet feet. When in doubt don't water.
Fertilizer
To keep your begonias blooming, fertilize at half strength every other time you water. Use a water-soluble fertilizer such as fish emulsion.
Light
As both varieties were grown in the tropical environment, they prefer filtered light, under trees, on a patio or shady bed. They can tolerate morning sun, but they will burn with direct sun.
Humidity
As with all begonias, they do best in high humidity. When growing them inside you can place the begonia pot on a tray of pebbles and keep the plants moist by watering the tray frequently.
Growing requirements easier in pots
Both Angel Wing and Dragon Wing can be grown in the ground or in pots. When in the ground you have to determine the location that will meet all of its needs all year long - and that can be challenging. Therefore, I prefer to grow them in pots.
Both types of begonias prefer being pot bound, so plant them in a smaller pot, remembering they will require frequent nutrition to remain healthy. If the pots are too large the mix remains wet for too long and often leads to root diseases.
Plants in pots can be moved as the angle of the sun changes during the seasons, can be moved to a sheltered location if there is rain for an extended period of time, can be moved to protect from our infrequent freezes and can be turned weekly to keep the plant growing upright.
Propagation
Propagating angel wing and dragon wing begonias is easy either in a potting medium, using root hormone or water. You can put even stems with leaves in a vase or decorative container to root. While they are rooting, they can provide an attractive table arrangement.
Combination foliage arrangements
Angel Wing and Dragon Wing begonias can be combined with other plantings with the same light and moisture needs to make beautiful arrangements. All varieties of begonias - there are more than 1,600 - coleus, ferns, caladiums, ivy and various exotics combine to create a low-care arrangement that will provide color and interest for many seasons. Even a beginning gardener can grow lovely Angel Wing and Dragon Wing begonias.
The Gardeners' Dirt is written by members of the Victoria County Master Gardener Association, an educational outreach of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension - Victoria County. Mail your questions in care of the Advocate, P.O. Box 1518, Victoria, TX 77901; or vcmga@vicad.com.
