Bossa Nova Yellow

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Begoniaceae

Order

Cucurbitales

Genus

Begonia

Species

boliviensis

Description

A tuberous herbaceous plant, grown as an annual primarily to enhance balconies and terraces with its lush blooms, featuring cascades of hanging flowers in a wide variety of colours, which appear from mid-spring until early autumn; in some varieties, the foliage also has ornamental value, with elegant and unique hues. Its trailing habit makes it suitable for planters, hanging baskets and hanging pots, including in mixed arrangements with other ornamental plants.

Varietal 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.

curiosity and special features

The name ‘Begonia’ wasgiven by the French botanist C. Plumier in honour of M. Bégon, a naturalist and senior official in the court of Louis XIV; the specific epithet, ‘boliviensis’, derives from the plant’s native range.

Origin and Diffusion

The botanical genus Begonia comprises over 1,800 herbaceous or semi-woody species, includingB. boliviensis, which is native to the mountain rainforests of Argentina and Bolivia; first discovered by the botanist and physician H. Weddell, it was introduced to Europe towards the end of the 19th century by the 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

The flowering period lasts from early spring to summer for between 120 and 150 days, providing colour and vibrancy for a long time.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence compound spike.

Leaf color

Solid colour.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.3 to 0.5 m, depending on its growth habit.

Lifespan

Cultivated mainly as an annual.

Suggested planting locations

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

Stem/stem

The stem is herbaceous, arched and pendulous; the plant has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in shape, of medium size, with a bell-shaped corolla and single-coloured petals. It is arranged in small, compound spike-like inflorescences. It flowers from early spring to summer, with a flowering period of between 120 and 150 days.

Growth

A variety withmedium 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 theboliviensisspecies,theideal growing medium has a pH of between 5.8 and 6.0; care should also be taken with regard to the acidity of the watering.

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 growing outdoors as an annual plant in areas with a temperate climate.

Use

A variety whose elegant and colourful flowers give it a prominent place amongst herbaceous plants in:

Outdoor ornamental use

Hardiness

A variety with moderate hardiness; it does not tolerate direct sunlight or waterlogged conditions.

Soil/medium

The ideal growing medium for begonias consists mainly of blond and brown peat, with the addition of perlite to prevent the mixture from becoming too compact and to improve drainage.

Maintenance

A variety that is, on the whole, fairly easy to grow, requiring a moderate level of management. Care should be taken to avoid over-fertilisation, particularly when water stress is present.

cultivation tips

To encourage proper growth and abundant flowering, the following specific cultivation practices are recommended:

Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day Balanced fertilisation In hilly areas above 300 m, it can be left in the sun all day long.

Composition

You can create arrangements in planters or baskets featuring harmonious colour schemesalongsideother ornamental species such as Bidens, Coleus, New Guinea Impatiens, Ipomea and Lobelia; it is also recommended to combine varieties belonging to the same species with flowers of different shades. When repotting, take care to ensure each plant has sufficient growing space, bearing in mind the size of the container used.

planting

For use in flowerbeds, an average density of 5 plants per square metre is recommended to ensure proper development of both the root system and the above-ground parts, thereby achieving a balanced, formal composition.

It is also advisable to plant the plant in a raised bed with the root collar above ground level, taking care not to compress the root ball excessively and watering immediately after planting, preferably in the morning.

Reproduction/Propagation

Mainly by apical cutting.

potting

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

Irrigation

Use rainwater or, alternatively, tap water with an optimal sub-acidic pH, either by hand or via an irrigation system. Begonias generally require well-drained soil, free from both permanent waterlogging and periods of dryness. It is advisable to allow the compost to dry out slightly between waterings, keeping it slightly moist but free from waterlogging to prevent the development of fungal diseases; furthermore, avoid watering the plant from above during the hottest part of the day, particularly with cold water.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Fertilization

During the spring and summer months, apply a liquid fertiliser specifically designed for ornamental flowering plants to the soil or growing medium, mixing it into the watering water in accordance with the recommended doses and frequency as stated on the relevant product label. Excessive use of fertiliser can cause damage to the plant, particularly when combined with water stress.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Pet friendly

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

Edibility for humans

Non-edible Species.

Human toxicity

Potentially toxic, do not ingest.

advise 1

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.