Nonstop Deep Rose

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Begoniaceae

Order

Cucurbitales

Genus

Begonia

Species

tuberhybrida

Description

Ornamental herbaceous plant with globular foliage, erect or slightly drooping habit depending on variety, derived from hybridisation of wild species of South American origin. Easy to manage, it is suitable both for pots, including hanging baskets in the case of hanging growth, and in landscaping for flowerbeds and borders, also in compositions with other ornamental species. It has large flowers grouped in head-like inflorescences with ever-bright hues that vary widely in colour during the spring-summer period in a perfect balance with the green or bronze-coloured foliage. It adapts well to hot summer climates, preferring medium-textured soils without waterlogging and exposure to filtered sunlight.

Variety description

It is a very showy plant with very large and colourful flowers. Very resistant to high summer temperatures. Suitable for pot cultivation and excellent for flowerbeds and borders.

Curiosities and special features

The specific epithet derives from the Latin 'tuber', meaning protuberance, in relation to the tuberous roots, and from 'hibrida', meaning hybrid, referring to the origin of the species; tuberous begonias are in fact characterised by thickened tubers that are used to store water and nutrients during the winter rest period.

Origin and distribution

The species of the genus Begonia, some 1550 in number, are mainly native to the subtropical and tropical zones of America and Asia, some to Africa.

The term begonia was coined by C. Plumier, the French botanist who first introduced it to the European continent, in honour of M. Begon, the 17th century governor of the West Indies.

Begonia tuberhybrida derives from the successive hybridisation of different wild species belonging to the genus Begonia with tuberous roots, imported into Europe from Bolivia, Argentina and Peru; from the first interspecific hybrid, created in the mid-19th century, the subsequent ones were derived, arousing considerable appreciation thanks also to the selection work carried out in Europe that led to the numerous current varieties that differ in habit, shape, size and flower colour.

Flower size

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

Leaf

Leaf has a lobed lamina.

Flowering period

The flowering period lasts from mid-spring to mid-autumn for 60 to 90 days.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence flower head.

Leaf colour

Solid colours.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.25 to 0.35 m, suitable for creating compositions with other ornamental grasses.

Lifespan

Perennial plant, often cultivated as a seasonal in relation to climatic and environmental conditions as it does not tolerate winter cold unless sheltered.

Where to plant

A very versatile plant, it is mainly used to add colour and liveliness in flower beds, balconies, outdoor pots, tubs, planters

Stem

Herbaceous stem, the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower has a large, double type with single-coloured petals. It is arranged in medium-sized flower head inflorescences. It flowers from mid-spring to mid-autumn, with a flowering period of between 60 and 90 days. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

Growth is compact, allowing for homogenous and colourful compositions.

Plant habit

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

Branching

It naturally presents Medium 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 the bed in mid-spring, carry out light digging, removing weeds, any previous crop residues and bulky stones. It is advisable to add professional substrate to the surface by approx. 5/10 cm and carefully level out. After transplanting, these measures will enable a rapid resumption of root development and the start of a long and abundant flowering period.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Sun exposure

The optimal exposure for vigorous growth of the plant is in half-shade, facing east/south-east; it prefers filtered sunlight, so it is important to protect it from direct sunlight that could damage the leaves and consequently the development of the entire plant.

Ideal climate and temperature

The biological temperature is between 5 and 45 °C. The ideal temperature is between 10 and 30 °C. It tolerates hot summer climates well.

Use

Always appreciated for its showy and elegant blooms, it is considered one of the most widely used seasonals in

the ornamental field

Hardiness

Variety of medium hardiness.

Soil

The ideal growing substrate is predominantly brown and blond peat with the addition of perlite to avoid excessive compactness and promote drainage. For use in beds, prefer peaty, light and well-draining soils, free of waterlogging and with an optimal sub-acidic pH.

Difficulty

Cultivation management is easy as is the level of maintenance effort, which is low, adding value to the variety.

Growing tips

To promote proper development and lush flowering, it is recommended to

Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest hours

Combinations with other plants

Itis possible to create compositions with harmonious colour ranges and perspective heights by using it with other ornamental species such as Angelonia angustifolia, Antirrhinum majus, Coleus blumei, Heuchera americana, Impatiens walleriana, Fuchsia hybrida, Senecio cineraria, Scaevola aemula, Solenostemon, Verbena x hybrida; the combination of varieties belonging to the same species with flowers of different hues is also recommended.

Planting

Balanced vegetative growth also derives from a suitable planting pattern; an average bed density of 10 plants per square metre is recommended, thus achieving a well-proportioned and harmonious overall result. It is also advisable to position each plant with the collar above the soil surface, watering immediately after transplanting, preferably during the morning hours.

Propagation

Mainly by means of this apical, it is also possible to propagate it by seed or by tuber division.

Repotting

During the autumn/winter, when the plant is bare, the tubers can be removed and stored in a cool, dry and dark place; towards the end of March, the tubers can be planted in pots with peat combined with heather soil without immediately exposing them to bright light and, once the first shoots have developed, they can be transferred to pots with peat soil.

Watering

Use rainwater, or alternatively low-lime aqueduct water, either by hand or by irrigation.

When transplanting, assist the seedling, as it may initially be more exposed to stress in the new planting site, by maintaining a constant humidity but without over-watering. Then allow the soil or substrate to dry out slightly between irrigation sessions, keeping them moist but free of stagnation. It is advisable not to water the plants from above to avoid flower rot.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Fertilising

After proper establishment in the new planting site, from mid-spring until the end of summer, use a specific liquid balanced fertiliser for ornamental flowering plants to be distributed to the soil or substrate diluted in the irrigation water, paying attention to the dose and frequency of application, which must not be excessive in order to avoid damage to the plant.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Pet safety

Some varieties may be toxic to dogs and cats if ingested in high doses.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible ornamental Species.

Toxicity for humans

Ingestion toxicity not known, avoid ingestion.

Tip

The plant does not tolerate excess water and especially waterlogging. It needs support to prevent the plant from breaking at the crown. Do not over-water to avoid root rot and yellowing.