The bright pink blooms arise in big, loose clusters that peer downward from among huge, glossy, wing-shaped leaves. Perfect for a hanging basket, terrace, or other high point, the flowers show to full effect when seen from below. And the plant is bushy and full, seeming to burst its bounds when confined to a container, yet never sprawling or ungainly in the garden. Gleaming with vigor, it blooms in summer in full sun (in the north) to partial shade (in the south), tolerating extreme heat beautifully. The flower color changes a bit depending on the light -- in bright sunlight it is pink with a rose reverse, but in shade it glows a lighter pink.

Even gardeners who dislike Begonias have found themselves sneaking off to sow a flat of Dragon Wing! Maybe it's the sheer vigor -- just 12 to 15 inches high and 15 to 18 inches wide, this plant gives the impression of tropical lushness and almost indestructible health. Very well-branched, it fills itself out quickly, giving you more blooms and a better shape than any other Begonia we've grown (and we think we may have grown them all!).

Dragon Wing takes about 14 to 16 weeks to go from seed to bloom, so start it indoors in mid- to late winter in a humid setting (the bathroom windowsill is ideal if it's broad enough and reasonably draft-free). In the garden, it is content in any good soil with reasonable drainage and consistent moisture.

From the glossy, over-the-top foliage to the plentiful pink blooms, Dragon Wing is a delight! Pkt is 10 seeds.