Begonia Million Kisses: FAQs by Ferb Vu
For years, I’ve been growing begonias, and the Million Kisses series has become a favorite. These prolific bloomers are a joy to have around, offering a dazzling display of color throughout the season. If you’re curious about bringing Million Kisses into your own garden, I’ve compiled some answers to the most common questions I get.
What is Begonia Million Kisses?
Begonia Million Kisses is a hybrid begonia (Begonia boliviensis x hybrid) known for its cascading growth habit and abundant flowers. It’s a vigorous grower, producing masses of blooms from late spring right through to autumn. The Million Kisses series comes in a few varieties, with flower colors ranging from soft pink to vibrant red.
What are the different varieties of Begonia Million Kisses?
- Million Kisses Elegance: This variety boasts blushed pink and white blossoms held aloft by bright red stems. The foliage is a lush green, creating a lovely contrast with the blooms.
- Million Kisses Amour: Standing out from the others, Amour features dark foliage that beautifully complements its deep red flowers.
How do I care for Begonia Million Kisses?
Million Kisses are relatively low-maintenance plants, but here are some key things to keep in mind:
- Light: They prefer partial shade. Direct sun can scorch the leaves.
- Water: Provide medium moisture. Aim for consistently moist soil, but avoid waterlogging.
- Soil: Well-draining, fertile potting mix is ideal.
- Fertilizer: Feed your Begonia Million Kisses every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
- Temperature: They thrive in warm temperatures, ideally between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Protect them from frost.
How big does Begonia Million Kisses get?
Typically, Million Kisses will reach a height of 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) and a spread of 30-36 inches (76-91 cm). Their trailing habit makes them perfect for hanging baskets, containers, or window boxes.
Does Begonia Million Kisses attract pollinators?
Yes! The abundant flowers of Begonia Million Kisses are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, adding to the vibrancy of your garden.
How do I propagate Begonia Million Kisses?
Propagating Million Kisses is quite easy. You can take stem cuttings in spring or summer. Simply snip off a healthy, non-flowering stem tip with a few nodes. Remove the lower leaves and plant the cutting in a pot with moist potting mix. Keep the soil moist and provide bright, indirect light. With a little care, your cutting should root within a few weeks.
What are some common problems with Begonia Million Kisses?
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can appear as white spots on the leaves. Improve air circulation and use a fungicide if necessary.
- Leaf spot: Fungal or bacterial leaf spot causes brown or black spots on the foliage. Remove affected leaves and avoid overhead watering.
- Mealybugs: These sap-sucking insects can appear as cottony white masses on the stems and leaves. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Can I grow Begonia Million Kisses indoors?
Absolutely! They make wonderful houseplants as long as they receive adequate light and humidity. A bright, indirect location near a window is ideal. You can increase humidity by placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water.
What are some good companion plants for Begonia Million Kisses?
Million Kisses pair well with other shade-loving plants that have similar moisture requirements. Here are a few ideas:
Begonia Million Kisses vs. Dragon Wing Begonia:
Both Million Kisses and Dragon Wing Begonias are popular choices for hanging baskets and containers. Here’s a quick comparison:
- Growth habit: Million Kisses has a trailing habit, while Dragon Wing Begonias are more upright and bushy.
- Flowers: Million Kisses produces smaller, more numerous flowers. Dragon Wing Begonias have larger, showier blooms.
- Care: Both require similar care in terms of light, water, and fertilizer.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your preference. If you desire a cascading display of flowers, Million Kisses is ideal. If you prefer a plant with larger, bolder blooms, Dragon Wing Begonia might be a better fit.
Begonia Million Kisses vs. Million Kisses Impatiens:
While the names share similarities, these are entirely different plants. Million Kisses is a begonia, known for its delicate flowers and trailing habit. Million Kisses Impatiens, on the other hand, known for its vibrant, impatiens-typical blooms and bushier growth. Here’s a breakdown:
- Plant type: Begonia Million Kisses is a flowering begonia, while Million Kisses Impatiens is a flowering impatiens.
- Light: Both prefer partial shade, but impatiens can tolerate slightly more direct sun.
- Water: Million Kisses needs consistent moisture, while impatiens can handle slightly drier conditions.
- Cold tolerance: Million Kisses is more sensitive to frost than impatiens.
- Habit: Begonia Million Kisses trails, making it ideal for hanging baskets. Million Kisses Impatiens has a bushier form, well-suited for containers or borders.
Final Thoughts on Begonia Million Kisses
Begonia Million Kisses is a fantastic choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance, high-impact plant. Its cascading growth habit and continuous bloom production make it a real showstopper. With a little TLC, you can enjoy this vibrant flowering beauty throughout the season.
