Begonia ‘Dragon Wing® Red’ is a hybrid perennial. Like other begonias, it belongs to the Begoniaceae family of plants. They also call it Angel Wing Begonia ‘Dragon Wing® Red’, Dragon Wing Begonia Red, Cane Begonia Red, Begonia x hybrida ‘Dragon Wings’, Dragon Wing Red Begonia, or Begonia U014.
Burpee registered the Dragon Wings trademark in 2007 for their U014 species from Argentina. This seemed to be a cultivar of Begonia semperflorens. Though earlier in 1985, Mable Cowin had registered a very similar cultivar with the American Begonia Society, calling it Christmas Candy. The species are identical, but not clear if they are exactly the same breed.
By the way, to clarify Cane Begonias are cultivars that have a bamboo-like stem and can grow very tall. Angel Wing Begonia is a hybrid of Cane Begonia with parents B. acconitifolia and B. coccinea. Dragon Wing Begonia is a cultivar as well and is cane-forming but it is sterile.
Begonia ‘Dragon Wing® Red’ cultivar is hot and humid climate tolerant. It has lush angel wing-shaped leaves that are shiny green. It produces clusters of hanging red flowers. It flowers continuously from spring to the end of autumn.
How to grow Begonia ‘Dragon Wing® Red’:
Light: Begonia ‘Dragon Wing® Red’ thrives in partial shade, receiving filtered sunlight or morning sun with some protection from the direct afternoon sun. It can tolerate full shade, but some sunlight is beneficial for its growth and flowering.
Soil: This begonia prefers rich, moist, and well-draining soil. The soil should have good water retention but should not become waterlogged. Adding organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to the soil before planting can help improve its fertility and drainage.
Watering: Proper watering is essential for the health of Begonia ‘Dragon Wing® Red’. Keep the soil consistently moist but not overly saturated. Water thoroughly when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot. Using a well-draining potting mix and ensuring good drainage in container plantings is crucial.
Temperature and Winter Hardiness: Begonia ‘Dragon Wing® Red’ is not winter hardy and cannot withstand freezing temperatures. It is typically grown as an annual or as a container plant that can be moved indoors during the winter months in colder climates. The plant prefers temperatures between 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C) during the growing season.
Air Circulation: Good air circulation is important for preventing fungal diseases and promoting healthy growth. Avoid crowding the plants too close together, especially if growing them in containers. Provide adequate spacing between plants to allow for proper airflow.
Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Begonia ‘Dragon Wing® Red’ is known to be deer-resistant and rabbit-resistant, making it a good choice for gardens where these animals may be a concern. However, it’s important to note that no plant is completely immune to browsing, so additional measures may be necessary in areas with heavy deer or rabbit populations.
By following these care guidelines, you can ensure the successful growth and maintenance of Begonia ‘Dragon Wing® Red’ and enjoy its vibrant foliage and flowers.
Also, you may enjoy reading about Begonia semperflorens.
