Bossa Nova Red

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Begoniaceae

Order

Cucurbitales

Genus

Begonia

Species

boliviensis

Description

A tuberous herbaceous plant, cultivated as an annual mainly to embellish balconies and terraces with its luxuriant blooms bearing cascades of pendulous flowers with a wide range of colours, present from mid-spring until early autumn; even the foliage, in some varieties, takes on ornamental value, with elegant and unique shades. With its drooping habit, it is suitable for planters, baskets and hanging baskets, even in mixed compositions with other ornamentals.

Variety description

A very good plant for use as a hanging plant, it has a very showy flowering in late spring-summer. Prefers areas that are not completely sunny. The series has a good range of colours.

Curiosities and special features

The term Begonia was dedicated by the French botanist C. Plumier to M. Bégon, a naturalist and high-ranking official in the reign of Louis XIV; the specific epithet, boliviensis, derives from the plant's area of origin.

Origin and distribution

The botanical genus Begonia comprises over 1800 herbaceous or semi-woody species, among them B. boliviensis, native to the mountain rainforests of Argentina and Bolivia; first discovered by the botanist and physician H. Weddell. Weddell, was introduced to Europe in the late 1800s by plant collector R. Pearce.

Flower size

The flower is medium in size, lending elegance to the lush bloom.

Leaf

Leaf has an oblong lamina.

Flowering period

Flowering lasts from early spring to early autumn for 120 to 150 days, providing colour and vibrancy for a long time.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence compound spike.

Leaf colour

Solid colour.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.3 to 0.5 m depending on the habitus developed.

Lifespan

Cultivated mainly as an annual.

Where to plant

Plant habit and thriving flowering make it widely appreciated for adding an accent of sophistication and colour to balconies, hanging baskets, flowerbeds

Stem

The stem is herbaceous, arcuate and pendulous; the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower has a simple, medium-sized form with a bell-shaped corolla and single-coloured petals. It is arranged in small compound spike inflorescences. It flowers from early spring to early autumn, with a flowering period of between 120 and 150 days. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

Variety with medium to vigorous growth.

Plant habit

The typical drooping habitus allows its wide use in planters and hanging baskets.

Branching

Theabundant branching allows for a dense appearance, rich in foliage and flowers.

PH

For the Boliviensis species, the ideal substrate has a pH of between 5.8 and 6.0; attention should also be paid to the acidity level of the irrigation water.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting into the bed, carry out light digging, removing weeds, any residues from previous crops and bulky stones. It is advisable to add professional medium on the surface for about 5/10 cm and carefully level it. After transplanting, these measures will enable a rapid resumption of root development and the start of a long and abundant flowering period.

Sun exposure

In view of the natural habitat of most begonias as understorey plants in tropical forests, aneast/southeast, half-shade Sunexposure is recommended; direct sunlight should be avoided, particularly in hot climate areas.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 18 and 22 °C; it is suitable for outdoor cultivation as an annual plant in temperate climate areas.

Use

Variety whose elegant and colourful flowering gives it a primary role among herbaceous plants in:

Outdoor ornamental

Hardiness

Variety of medium hardiness, does not tolerate direct sun and waterlogged conditions.

Soil

The ideal growing substrate for begonia is predominantly blond and brown peat, with the addition of perlite to avoid excessive compactness and promote drainage.

Difficulty

Variety whose cultivation is on the whole fairly easy, with a medium level of management effort. Care should be taken to avoid over-fertilisation, especially in conjunction with water stress.

Growing tips

The following specific cultivation measures are recommended to promote proper development and lush flowering:

Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest hours Balanced fertilisation In hills above 300 m. Can also be in the sun all day.

Combinations with other plants

It is possible to create compositions in planters or baskets with harmonious colour ranges with other ornamental species such as Bidens, Coleus, Impatiens New Guinea, Ipomea and Lobelia; we also recommend the combination of varieties belonging to the same species with flowers of different shades. When repotting, care should be taken to ensure adequate growing space for each specimen, also in view of the size of the container used.

Planting

For use in flowerbeds, an average density of 5 plants per square metre is recommended in order to ensure proper development of both the root and aerial apparatus, thus achieving a balanced formal composition.

It is also advisable to position the plant in a raised bed with the collar outside the soil surface, avoiding excessive compression of the root ball and watering immediately after planting, preferably during the morning hours.

Propagation

Mainly by apical cutting.

Repotting

Take care when potting into tubs or bowls to handle the plant gently to avoid breaking branches.

Watering

Use rainwater, or alternatively aqueduct water with an optimal sub-acidic pH, either manually or by means of an irrigation system. Begonias in general require well-drained soil that is free from permanent water saturation and dryness. It is advisable to allow the substrate to dry slightly between one watering and the next, keeping it slightly moist but free of stagnation to prevent the development of fungal diseases, and to avoid watering the plant from above during the hottest hours of the day, especially with cold water.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Fertilising

During the spring-summer period, apply a specific liquid fertiliser for ornamental flowering plants to the soil or substrate, to be distributed in the irrigation water according to the appropriate doses and frequencies as stated on the relevant information label. Excessive use of fertiliser can lead to plant damage, especially in conjunction with water stress.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Pet safety

Toxic to dogs and cats; consider the specific case and consult with your vet in case of ingestion.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible Species.

Toxicity for humans

Potentially toxic, do not ingest.

Tip

Plant particularly suitable for flowering balconies or hanging baskets. Do not water from above during the hot hours of the day otherwise the leaves will burn.