Tuberous Begonia

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Tuberous begonia (lat. Begonia x tuberhybrida Voss) - a hybrid obtained by crossing Zeden's begonias and wild species growing mainly in Bolivia - a state located in the central part of South America. Today, on the basis of tuberous begonia, quite a few varieties have been obtained that can boast of extraordinary colors, double or simple flowers, size and shape.

Popular varieties

It should be noted that, unlike a close relative, the ever-flowering begonias, the varieties of the species under consideration are subdivided not by height, but by the size of the flowers. They were collected in groups, and they consist not only of individual varieties, but of mixtures.

So, among the large-flowered varieties, one can note the variety

Arlecin … It, in turn, is represented by spreading bushes not exceeding 25 cm in height. It is characterized by large double flowers of yellow color, the border of which has a red tint. This variety is actively used in conjunction with other flower crops, and is often used to decorate rabatki.

Another variety that boasts large flowers is

Guardsman … It is characterized by spreading bushes up to 25 cm high, topped with dark green foliage and large double red flowers, which, by the way, reach 10-12 cm in diameter. Like the previous variety, it is used to form groups, but also in ordinary flower beds it will look harmonious.

Of the varieties, the flowers of which are very similar to the flowers of peonies, the variety should be noted

Corona … It is represented by spreading bushes no more than 25 cm high, covered with green leaves. The flowers of the variety in question are large, often exceeding 16-17 cm in diameter, but they do not differ in lush doubleness. However, this aspect is not at all reflected in the decorative properties. It is used both in groups and for the formation of curb landings.

Among the medium-flowered varieties, it is impossible not to mention the variety.

Schweizerland … Its distinctive feature is sprawling shrubs of short stature with double red flowers, which are collected in three or five-flowered inflorescences. The Schweizerland variety is used to create groups, planted in flower beds, and is often used to form curb plantings.

From small-flowered gardeners and florists mark the Dark variety

Scarlet … It cannot boast of a spreading bush, on the contrary, it is more than compact, and its height does not exceed 15 cm. But its dark green foliage and simple scarlet flowers give it a special zest and attractiveness. By the way, it is often used in border plantings, in flower beds it is also appropriate.

Another important feature of tuberous begonia is the presence of ampelous varieties, that is, specimens that can be planted in hanging pots and vases. For example, the variety

Kati notable for hanging shoots that do not exceed 30 cm in length, and semi-double yellow flowers. It can be planted not only in hanging pots, but also in long garden containers that can be placed on the balcony. You can be sure that all neighbors will envy such decoration.

To date, breeding work has not been completed, they are still carried out in many European countries and in Russia.

Important to remember

Absolutely all varieties of tuberous begonia are very demanding on growing conditions. On poor, dry, swampy and heavy soils, they will not grow, they are threatened with death. But, unlike ever-flowering begonia, varieties of tuberous begonia do not like bright and saturated light, because hot sun rays lead to wilting.

But in a slightly shaded place, the plants feel great, in such areas they actively develop and bloom profusely. You just need to remember that tuberous begonia will not tolerate a thick shadow, in this case the plants will stretch out strongly and will not form a single flower.