Nonstop Orange

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Begoniaceae

Order

Cucurbitales

Genus

Begonia

Species

tuberhybrida

Description

An ornamental herbaceous plant with a globular crown, growing upright or slightly trailing depending on the variety, resulting from the hybridisation of wild species of South American origin. Easy to care for, it is suitable both for pots – including hanging baskets in the case of trailing varieties – and for landscaping in flowerbeds and borders, including in combination with other ornamental plants. It produces large flowers arranged in capitulum-like inflorescences, always in bright shades with a wide range of colours throughout the spring and summer, in perfect harmony with its green or bronze-coloured foliage. It adapts well to hot summer climates, preferring medium-textured soils free from waterlogging and exposure to filtered sunlight.

Variety description

This Begonia is also sold as a bulbous, characterised by a very large, double Flower. Very resistant to high summer temperatures. Suitable for pot cultivation and excellent for flowerbeds or borders.

Curiosities and special features

The specific epithet derives from the Latin ‘tuber’, meaning ‘protrusion’, in reference to the tuberous roots, and from ‘hibrida’, meaning ‘hybrid’, referring to the species’ origin; tuberous begonias are in fact characterised by thickened tubers which are used to store water and nutrients during the winter dormancy period.

Origin and distribution

The species of the genus Begonia, numbering around1,550, are native mainly to the subtropical and tropical regions of the Americas and Asia, with some originating in Africa.

The term ‘begonia’ was coined by C. Plumier, a French botanist who was the first to introduce the plant to Europe, in honour of M. Begon, a governor of the Antilles who lived in the 17th century.

Begonia tuberhybrida is the result of successive hybridisation of various wild species belonging to the tuberous-rooted Begonia genus, imported into Europe from Bolivia, Argentina and Peru; from the first interspecific hybrid, created in the mid-19th century, subsequent hybrids were developed, attracting considerable admiration thanks in part to the breeding work carried out in Europe, which has led to the numerous current varieties that differ in terms of growth habit, shape, size and flower colour.

Flower size

The flower is large compared with other varieties of the same species.

Leaf

Leaf has a lobed lamina.

Flowering period

The flowering period lastsfrom mid-spring to early autumn and lasts between 30 and 40 days.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence flower head.

Leaf colour

Plain colours.

Plant height

The plant grows to a height of between 0.2 and 0.35 m, making it suitable for creating arrangements with other ornamental herbaceous plants.

Lifespan

A perennial plant, often grown as an annual depending on climatic and environmental conditions, as it cannot tolerate the winter cold unless sheltered.

Where to plant

A very versatile plant, it is mainly used to add colour and vibrancy to flowerbeds, balconies, terraces, planters, hanging baskets and window boxes

Stem

Ithas a herbaceous stem andthe plant has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is double-petalled, large in size, with solid-coloured petals. It grows in medium-sized heads. It flowers from mid-spring to early autumn, with a flowering period of between 30 and 40 days.

Growth

It has a Medium-Vigorous Growth, allowing for homogeneous and colourful Compositions.

Plant habit

It develops an upright habit, which is excellent for use in flowerbeds and planters also in compositions with other species.

Branching

It naturally has little branching.

PH

The pH of the Soil/medium must be slightly acidic, between a minimum of 5.5 and a maximum of 6.8.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting in mid-spring into the flowerbed, give the soil a light dig to remove weeds, any residues from previous crops and large stones. We recommend adding a layer of professional potting compost to the surface, approximately 5–10 cm deep, and levelling it carefully. These measures will ensure that, after transplanting, root growth recovers quickly and a long, abundant flowering period begins.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Sun exposure

The ideal conditions for vigorous growth are in bright shade or full sun; it prefers filtered sunlight, so it is important to protect it from direct sunlight, which could damage the leaves and, consequently, the development of the whole plant.

Ideal climate and temperature

The biological temperature range is between 10 and 35 °C. The ideal temperature is between 16 and 28 °C; it tolerates hot summer weather well.

Use

Long prized for its striking and elegant blooms, it is regarded as one of the most widely used seasonal plants in

outdoor ornamental settings

Hardiness

A variety of medium hardiness.

Soil

The ideal growing medium consists mainly of blond and brown peat, with the addition of perlite to prevent it from becoming too compact and to improve drainage. For use in flowerbeds, choose peaty, light and well-drained soil, free from waterlogging and with an optimal sub-acidic pH.

Difficulty

Crop management is straightforward, and the level of maintenance required is low, which adds value to the variety.

Growing tips

To encourage healthy growth and abundant flowering, we recommend:

Balanced fertilisation It prefers water with a low calcium content

Combinations with other plants

It is possible to create arrangements with harmonious colour schemes and interesting variations in height by combining itwithother ornamental species such as Angelonia angustifolia, Antirrhinum majus, Coleus blumei, Heuchera americana, Impatiens walleriana, Fuchsia hybrida,Senecio cineraria, Scaevola aemula, Solenostemon and Verbena x hybrida; it is also advisable to combine varieties belonging to the same species with flowers of different shades.

Planting

Balanced vegetative growth also depends on an appropriate planting density; an average density of 15 plants per square metre in the bed is recommended, thereby achieving a well-proportioned and harmonious overall result. It is also recommended to position each plant with the root collar just above the soil surface and to water immediately after planting, preferably in the morning.

Propagation

It is mainly propagated via this apical method, although it can also be propagated by seed or by dividing the tubers.

Repotting

During autumn and winter, when the plant is bare, you can remove the tubers and store them in a cool, dry, dark place; towards the end of March, the tuber can be planted in a pot filled with a mixture of peat and heather soil, without exposing it to strong light straight away; once the first shoots have developed, they can be transferred to pots filled with peaty compost.

Watering

Use rainwater, or alternatively tap water with a low calcium content, either by hand or via an irrigation system.

Support the seedling when transplanting, as it may initially be more susceptible to stress in its new location; maintain constant moisture levels but avoid overwatering. Subsequently, allow the soil or growing medium to dry out slightly between waterings, keeping it consistently moist but free from waterlogging. It is advisable not to water the plants from above to prevent flower rot.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Fertilising

Once the plants have become properly established in their new location, from mid-spring until the end of summer, use a balanced liquid fertiliser specifically formulated for ornamental flowering plants, to be applied to the soil or growing medium by diluting it in the watering water, taking care to ensure that the dosage and frequency of application are not excessive, in order to avoid damaging the plant.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Pet safety

Some varieties may be toxic to dogs and cats if ingested in large quantities.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible ornamental Species.

Toxicity for humans

Toxicity following ingestion is unknown; avoid ingestion.

Tip

If the plants have reached a good Growth, help them with supports to prevent them from breaking at the base with the weight of the foliage.