Begonia tuberhybrida

Begoniaceae

Tuberous Begonia

Tuberous perennial with stems growing to approx 60cm. The sparse, mid-green leaves grow to 25cm long. The flowers are spectacular, featuring all colours other than blue. Petals are either single or double and depending upon the variety, feature frills and ruffles.

Uses

Usually grown as a greenhouse plant in cooler climates, it can be grown outdoors in suitable conditions. Popular as a cut flower.

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Culture

Prefers a semi-shaded, protected position and 60-70% humidity. Tubers are dormant in winter and must be forced into growth in early spring at a temperature of 65°F (18°C) in peat moss or sphagnum, and kept in a cool, well-ventilated greenhouse for the summer flowering season. After flowering, plants die back and tubers are lifted in autumn and stored dry. Frost sensitive. Stake if necessary. Propagate by seed, cuttings or division. Begonias are susceptible to gray mold, powdery mildew and botrytis in the warmer part of the year if conditions are too damp.

Propagation

Division, leaf cuttings.

Seed germinates but for predictable flowering and overall performance, vegetative propagation is generally preferred.

Cultivars

Many named cultivars have been developed by commercial breeders and enthusiasts.

Plant Health

Diseases can be a problem particularly in poorly ventilated, shaded and wet conditions.

Susceptible to mildews, rots and leaf spots.

More info

Plant Identification, Landscape Design and Home Garden Expert courses are available through Australian Correspondence Schools, see http://www.acs.edu.au/hort Video: ‘Identifying Bulbs and Perennials’ produced by Australian Correspondence Schools is available through http://www.acsgarden.com/shop/