Give botanical begonias a go!
Turn your greenhouse into a tropical wonderland with these spectacular plants!
Fancy a new hobby for 2020? Welcome to the wonderful world of species begonias! These are original plants, native to moist tropical and subtropical climates, from which all our much-loved traditional bedding and houseplants are derived. The species in this spectacular genus of stunning plants are a little bit different to the begonias we’re used to, more famed for their eye-catching leaves than their flowers, and have given rise to some fantastic hybrids. Samuel Kennedy, founder of the Botanical Begonia Growers in North Lanarkshire, tells us his favourites, how to grow them, plus how he created one of his fantastic displays for the Harrogate Flower Show. Why not give one or two a go in your own greenhouse?
A bit about begonias…
UK growers have progressed and excelled at the development of largeflowered, double bedding begonias, but original begonia species and their hybrids have been neglected. Most of the rhizomatous begonias flower in early spring when no flower shows are taking place. Rex begonias are grown for their leaves and look good from spring until late autumn, when they can go into a dormancy period due to low room temperature, no matter if they’re within the home or grown in a glasshouse. The cane types are pruned back in early winter and allowed to grow all summer, where the young foliage can be spectacular. The new plant growth bears small flowers in large panicles from August through December, at which point they can be pruned back once again, ready to start another year.