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While not to everybody ’s mouthful , Begonias are nevertheless pop and colourful bedding plants that retrieve their mode into many window boxes , container and hanging baskets each summer . They are also widely used in traditional public park summertime screw schemes . They are easy to look after and will provide uninterrupted color throughout the summer until the first rime , even in semi - shade .
There are thought to be some 900 metal money of begonia , distributed across the tropic and subtropical forests of South and Central America , Africa , and southern Asia . As such , they are not unfearing in the UK , and can only be grown outdoors in the summer .
Begonia peak come in a wide range of vivid bolshy , pinko , oranges and yellow , and also cooler white . The colour come from the flower ’s sepal rather than petals . Some types of Begonia also have attractive bronze or motley foliage .
The first westerly works huntsman to describe a Begonia was a Franciscan Thelonious Monk call Charles Plumier in Brazil in 1690 . He list the plant after the botanist Michel Begon who was also Governor of Haiti . The first pants were add to Europe in the mid 1800s .
The intimate garden bedding Begonias are mostly breed from seven colorful species found in the Andes Mountains of Peru in the mid-19th century . They are broadly list under the nameBegonia x tuberhybrida .
Many other types of Begonia are develop in conservatory and as houseplant for their foliage rather than their flower , but this clause focuses principally on the garden varieties that are grown as bedding and in containers , including the semperflorens mathematical group , or wax begonia .
Begonia Care
In universal , tuberous begonias are best suited to develop in container and advert basketball hoop , and are bought as inactive tuber from January to the end of March , while fibrous - rooted begonia are used in summertime bedding schemes and are available as come , garden - ready plugs and container grown plant .
Dormant tubers will explicate rapidly into flowering plants , provided declamatory and healthy specimens are chosen . Substandard damaged or mouldy tuber should be rejected , admit any that have sprouted spindly shoots .
In March , the dormant tubers should be placed individually into 125 cm hatful half - fill with an adequate mixture of John Innes No 1 compost and peat - free multipurpose compost . Press the genus Tuber into the surface with the vacuous side up so that the bottom one-half is covered and then water sufficiently to dampen the compost , and place the pots in a propagator at 18 ° C or in a tender and hopeful place such as a windowsill over a radiator .
ontogenesis bud will go forth within a few weeks . To make a rich and strong plant , once the unseasoned shoots reach 3 atomic number 96 , itch off all but the three strongest . As the three stems grow longer , gradually over a couple of weeks top up the sight with compost , a centimeter at a time until it is just below the top .
Once the pot is full , water system and provender oftentimes using a liquid tomato plant feed .
To encourage the most spectacular blooming , take off the smaller side bud that grow each side of the primary flower .
Once all peril of frost has passed , home grown tuberous plant and greenhouse - bought plants in pots or plugs can be harden off and take on outside in a container or they can be transplanted 30 curium asunder into the edge .
Although more often than not regale as half - hardy annuals , Begonias are really perennial , which mean that it is possible to over - winter them , especially the tuberous varieties , though few gardeners take the worry to do so . The genus Tuber must be lifted well before the first frosts . Stop watering them a few weeks in overture , then lift and salt away the cleaned , dry tubers in scantily damp sand in a frost - free shed , ideally at 7 ° C . The aerofoil of the sand should be moistened occasionally to stop the tubers shrivelling .
sparkle requirements
Most Begonias do best in light subtlety , though many types will tolerate some sunlight and some will continue to prosper in even funny conditions .
Watering
begonia are hungry plants , and during dry weather condition those in container or baskets will need to be watered daily in the early first light or the evening . Even delimitation - growing plants will benefit from frequent tearing to keep the plants healthy and flowers coming . When lachrymation , avoid wet the foliage , and do not water in sunshine .
Soil conditions
In general , Begonias require a friable , rich and well - run out produce medium that is neither always crocked nor allowed to dry out completely . slenderize the saturation and frequency of watering from the beginning of September .
Fertilisers
Begonias in container and basketball hoop postulate a hebdomadal provender of a eminent potash liquid tomato food , and a even app will also help promote free flowering in edge plants . Feeding can end in mid September .
Re - potting
All Begonias delight moist condition but demand good drain , so containers must have a good quality compost with plenty of grit , liberally - sized drainage holes , and they should be recruit on pot feet or like supports to promote the speedy drain of surplus water .
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apply Begonias in hang basket video display with trailing lobelia , pelargoniums , petunias and fuchsia . Bedding displays are generally based on a combination of unlike varieties of Begonia , but these can also be complemented with other bedding plant . The blueprint possibilities are almost limitless , but traditionally they are based aroundBellis , Impatiens , genus Pelargonium and lobelia . A more modern take on the theme is often given by include sub - tropical or tropical - looking plants as features , such as bananas , canna , agave , cordylines , orPhormium .
Pruning
begonia do not need routine pruning , but any wind - damage prow can be remove and some varieties will flower longer into the fall if on a regular basis deadheaded .
Begonia Propagation
Most Begonias are easy propagated by variance or from stem cutting off , though it is seldom consider worth home propagation of the distinctive bedding and basketful Begonias . Specimen Rex Begonias can be propagate from foliage cutting .
Tuberous begonias can be increased by division . The tubers are start as normal , then when the shoots appear the genus Tuber is cut into sections , each stimulate at least one bud and some root . These postulate longer to grow into flowering plant and will need to be overwinter to reach their full potential .
Stem cutting at least 10 atomic number 96 foresighted with a heel of genus Tuber can be taken off a develop plant in April . This can be grown on in a sandy rooting compost with bottom heat at around 20 ° C .
Semperflorens Begonia seeded player can be buy and seed onto the surface of seed compost in February or March . encompass the tray or grass with credit card until sprouting occurs . They demand to be kept moist at a temperature of 20 ° blow to 25 ° C .
When the seedling produce their first true foliage , prick them into single 7.5 curium mint , then afterwards into 13 atomic number 96 plenty .
Common Begonia Problems
Most Begonia problems tend to be related to physical condition rather than pests or disease . In overly squiffy consideration the tubers may decompose , whereas even the shortest period of drought will most likely result in efflorescence drop . begonia favour clear tincture , and foliage may scorch when exposed to the full Sunday .
Pests
Begonia plants can at times stand from caterpillars , mealy bug , mites , thrips , vine weevil or aphid .
Diseases
Tuberous begonias can suffer from powdery mildew , fungal leaf spots , or occasionallyPhytophthoraroot rot .
Begonia Varieties
The labelling and description of the complex array of Begonia types is far from straightforward , especially when looking beyond the generic mixed appeal available from garden centres and supermarkets . ‘ Picotee ’ refers to sepal with edges that counterpoint with the primary colour , but only if the color are turn over to blend : if they do not , then ‘ marginata ’ is used . ‘ Fimbriata ’ Begonias have fringed sepal , and ‘ pendula ’ variety have a trailing increase shape that is idealistic for hanging baskets .
Hybridisation has been easy , even using parent from unlike continents , and innumerable commercially produced hybrids and cultivar are available . Most nurseryman will pick out a low - price selection of the semperflorens group Begonias from a garden centre , but for beginners look to create their own container designs with an vehemence on foliage as well as flower , the list of crossbreed that have the Royal Horticultural Society ’s Award of Garden Merit is a good starting point :
Begonia ‘ Irene Nuss ’
‘ Irene Nuss ’ is an evergreen perennial that grows up to 1.2 m. It has upright shank and heavy leaves that are bronze - putting green above and reddish to a lower place . The pinkish flowers emerge in dramatic , pendulous , bell - shaped bunch .
Begonia ‘ Burle Marx ’
This cultivar is chiefly grow for its variegate drab greenish foliage with brownish veins and high spot . The petite flush clusters are halt above the leaves and are white with a light pinkish blush . It is thumping forming and spring up to 30 cm tall .
Begonia ‘ Marmaduke ’
‘ Marmaduke ’ forms a bushy industrial plant up to 50 curium improbable , with ellipse yellowish - green leaves that are heavily blotched with carmine - brown , and nebuliser of small pale pinkish efflorescence in late spring .
Begonia ‘ Mikado ’
This Rex Begonia is very lovesome but can be put outside for the summer . It is evergreen and primarily grown for its better-looking grey , mysterious majestic - crimson and dark green motley leave of absence , rather than the pocket-size pinkish flowers that sometimes seem in spring , summer or autumn .
Begonia ‘ Munchkin ’
Another supply ship salmagundi that does best at around 20ºC but which can be grow outside in containers through the quick part of the summertime , ‘ Munchkin ’ is a shaggy perennial that grows up to 20 cm in summit . Its large , frilly , hairy , ovate leave-taking are bronze with light-green veining and reddened beneath . It produces large clusters of rather inconspicuous pink flowers .
Begonia ‘ Orange Rubra ’
A good choice for hanging baskets and windowpane box in shadier locations , ‘ Orange Rubra ’ grows to 75 curium and has bright green foliation that offer a transparency to the pendulous , vivid , burnished orange flowers . It will not do well in continuous unmediated sunlight or in waterlogged conditions .
Begonia ‘ Ricky Minter ’
This is another indoor plant that can be put outside for the summer . It has deeply frilled and lobed dark olive - green leaves with yellow veins and deeper markings , and red undersides . It produces small , delicate deep pinkish flowers .
Begonia ‘ Tiger Paws ’
‘ Tiger Paws ’ has rounded , lobed pale green leaf with darker , prominent - cat - alike markings . It must be grow under methamphetamine hydrochloride for most of the year but can be put outside for the summer . In summertime , it may produce small spray of pale pinkish flowers as an added bonus .
Other wide available variety for the hanging baskets , containers and bedding let in the followers .
Begonia ‘ Million Kisses ’ serial
These have a semi - trailing drug abuse and are idealistic for hanging handbasket and the edges of large mint and container . The series includesBegonia‘Yadev ’ , which has show green leaves that are edged in pale pinko and bright luscious red , pendulous flowers on pink stems . They grow up to 45 centimetre , flower into October , and do not need routine deadheading .
Begonia ‘ Illumination ’ series
This series of cascading Begonias comes in a wide reach of colours . They are perfect for summertime hanging baskets . Amongst the more pop types isBegonia ‘ Illumination Orange ’ , which produces masses of vivacious , drear orange , semi - dual prime on ruddy stems . The parting are hirsute and mostly green but with orange margins .
Begonia ‘ Ambassador ’ serial publication
These are free - florescence semperflorens Begonias . In lucky conditions they can be persuaded to flower throughout the summer . Begonia ‘ embassador Rose’grows to 20 cm and has glossy green , red - edged foliage and pinkish bloom with striking yellow stamen .
Begonia ‘ Non Stop ’ series
The ‘ Non - block ’ Begonias are loan-blend that have the electric potential to bloom throughout the year . In the garden , they form compendious , 20 centimeter , vigorous industrial plant that flower incessantly from June to October . Many colour varieties are usable . Begonia ‘ Non Stop White’has shining snowy flowers up to 7 cm in diameter and contrasting dark green leaf . As with others in the series it makes a corking bedding plant life and is ideal for smoke , window box and other containers .
Begonia ‘ Apricot Shades ’
This variety has large , tumbling double salad days in fruity subtlety of peach , orange and Citrus limon from July to October . It thrives in semi tone and its trail habit makes it ideal for hang baskets and windowpane boxes , where it will drop to 40 cm .
Begonia ‘ Destiny Pink ’
‘ Destiny Pink ’ is another good choice for hang baskets . It has big , double pinkish blossom and a glossy dark brown foliage .
Begonia ‘ Glowing Embers ’
This smaller - flowered and stocky , 30 centimeter tall Begonia has striking purple - bronze foliation and vivid orange flowers . It will cascade quite happily around the edge of a hanging basket or container .
Begonia ‘ making love bird ’
This variety has with child , frilly , glum red flower that counterpoint attractively with the long , dour - green farewell . It is suitable for container and hang basket .
Begonia ‘ Belleconia Soft Orange ’
This trailing Begonia produces spectacular 35 cm cascade of pink to orange flowers that have a prominent scandalmongering eye . It will generally flower from May through to September .
Begonia ‘ Santa Cruz ’
‘ Santa Cruz ’ produces cascade down bronze stem with fiery red to dark orange prime on bronze stems from June through to the first rime . It is another good hanging basket variety that does not require deadheading .
Begonia ‘ Splendide Ballerina ’
This new variety of vigorous , cascade Begonia has a 30 cm go around and produces showy , double flower in wraith of apricot , orange and dark yellowish from former summertime powerful through to the autumn . It is wonderful for hanging baskets , windowpane box and container .
Begonia grandissspevansiana
This tuberous Begonia is hardy down to 0 ° C and with fear and protection it can be left in the garden yr - round in the south of the UK . It has delicate pink flowers with a prominent yellow centre in fall and liver - shaped tropical - face leaves with unassailable veining . It grow to 50 curium , and ask moist and semi - shaded conditions .
FAQs
Fibrous - rooted Begonias such as ‘ wax ’ , ‘ angel ’ or ‘ dragon - winged ’ kind can be vacate from the container , lop into a suitable flesh and re - potted into a desirable container that can be taken indoors fro the winter . If you fertilise them with liquid houseplant fertiliser and keep them well irrigate they will make an attractive pot works that can be propagated into new plants for your container next spring . Keep them in the hothouse or on a bright windowsill , rick regularly , but not in direct sunlight , and avoid drafty blot near room access , windows or open fireplace .
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