Begonia, a Birthday Flower of October 18th

Although not in bloom now, begonia is one of the birthday flowers of October 18th. It is also a birthday flower of November 29th, when it is likewise no longer in bloom. Japan's wild begonia, known as shukaido (秋海棠), flowers from late August into September, earning it a reputation as a harbinger of autumn. Cultivated begonias, however, have a much longer growing and flowering season and may bloom from spring until late autumn under favorable conditions.

Begonia is a large group of mostly perennial flowering plants native to tropical and subtropical regions. While many gardeners in Japan grow begonias as annual bedding plants, they are actually tender perennials that can continue growing for several years in frost-free conditions. Their attractive foliage is often just as eye-catching as their flowers, with glossy green, bronze, or patterned leaves depending on the variety. The bright blooms appear in shades of pink, red, white, orange, and yellow, making begonias a popular choice for containers, hanging baskets, and garden borders.

The hanakotoba (language of flowers) for begonia includes "unrequited love", "declaration of love", "kindness", and "happy days". The association with unrequited love is said to come from the plant's slightly asymmetrical heart-shaped leaves. In Western flower language, begonia can also mean "beware" or "take care".