Nonstop Mocca White (Begonia x tuberhybrida): plant profile

Scientific classification

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Begoniaceae

Order

Cucurbitales

Genus

Begonia

Species

tuberhybrida

Key information

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, with consistently vibrant hues and 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 filtered sunlight.

Variety description

It is a very showy plant with very large and colourful flowers, suitable for flowerbeds and tubs. Very resistant to high summer temperatures. It differs from non-stop due to the bronze colouring of the Leaf..

Origin and history

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 first introduced 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 varieties available today, differing in growth habit, shape, size and colour of the flower.

Main features

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 mid-autumn and lasts between 60 and 90 days.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence flower head.

Leaf colour

Plain colours.

Plant height

The plant grows to a height of between 0.25 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, pots, outdoor planters, troughs and window boxes

Stem

Ithas a herbaceous stem andthe plant has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is double and large, with single-coloured petals. It grows in medium-sized head-like inflorescences. It flowers from mid-spring to mid-autumn, with a flowering period of between 60 and 90 days.

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.

Growing conditions

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, about 5–10 cm deep, and levelling it carefully. These measures will ensure that, after transplanting, root growth resumes quickly and a long, abundant flowering period begins.

Sun exposure

The ideal position for vigorous plant growth is in partial shade, facing east or south-east; 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 entire plant.

Ideal climate and temperature

The biological temperature range is between 5 and 45 °C. The ideal temperature is between 10 and 30 °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

ornamental gardening

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 the soil 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:

Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day

Combinations with other plants

It is possible to create arrangements with harmonious colour schemes and a play of heights by combining itwithother ornamental plants 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.

Care and plant health

Planting

Balanced vegetative growth also depends on an appropriate planting pattern; an average density of 10 plants per square metre in the bed is recommended, thereby achieving a well-proportioned and harmonious overall effect. It is also recommended that each plant be positioned with the root collar above ground level and watered immediately after planting, preferably in the morning.

Propagation

It is mainly propagated via apical propagation, but 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 and 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 emerged, 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 the flowers from rotting.

Fertilising

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