Vittoria Plus Red

Description

A hardy and vigorous ornamental herbaceous plant. It differs fromBegonia semperflorens, known as ‘Begonietta’, in that its flowers are larger, its growth is more compact, and it has a profusion of branches and leaves. Its plant habit varies according to the variety and can be erect or trailing, whilst the foliage, which is highly decorative, comes in various shades of green or bronze. Easy to care for, it adapts well to hot summer climates. It is ideal for use in landscaping, where, in flowerbeds – including those along roadsides – its blooms create striking visual effects; it is also suitable for decorating terraces and balconies in planters and pots.

Species video

https://youtu.be/PtN6Gakocqk

Variety description

It is the most compact Begonia hybrida currently available, with very large flowers measuring up to 8 cm. Ideal for flowerbeds and planters, including medium-sized ones. To be grown in a greenhouse in pots of 10 and 12 in diameter. It is a very robust interspecific variety, resistant to adverse conditions, with excellent performance in all growing conditions, from shade to full sun. It is easy to grow provided that a minimum temperature of 14°C is maintained for the first 3–4 weeks after transplanting. Summer cultivation is also recommended, as it is quick and easy, allowing the plants to be transplanted into flowerbeds even in late summer, given how readily they take root even at high temperatures.

Division

Angiospermae

Class

Dicotyledons

Family

Begoniaceae

Order

Cucurbitales

Genus

Begonia

Species

hybrida

Origin and distribution

Begonias are native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa (Cameroon and South Africa), Asia (China and Sri Lanka) and the Americas (Brazil, the Amazon and Peru); knowing the place of origin of this genus of ornamental plants is important in helping us to understand certain factors relating to their environmental and cultivation requirements. 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.

Curiosities and special features

Through hybridisation techniques, begonias are now available in numerous varieties, prized for their vigorous growth and the wide range of colours in their blooms. They are used both in landscaping to adorn flowerbeds, including those along roadsides, and to add a splash of colour to terraces and balconies in large pots and planters.

Lifespan

It is grown as an annual plant because, depending on the prevailing climatic conditions, it may not survive for long once the temperatures drop.

Where to plant

It is ideal for enhancing green spaces with high decorative value; indeed , it is considered a typical plant for flowerbeds, terraces, outdoor planters, borders, small pots and window boxes

Plant height

The plant height ranges from 0.25 to 0.5 metres, making it ideal for mixed compositions with other ornamental plants to create elegant visual perspectives.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence panicle.

Flower size

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

Flowering period

The flowering period lastsfrom mid-spring to early autumn, lasting between 160 and 180 days.

Leaf

Leaf has a cordate-reniform, round-based lamina.

Leaf colour

Solid colour, in perfect colour contrast with the blooms.

Stem

The stem is herbaceous; the plant has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in shape, large in size, with an asymmetrical corolla and solid-coloured petals. It is arranged in medium-sized panicle-like inflorescences. It flowers from mid-spring to early autumn, with a flowering period of between 160 and 180.

Growth

Growth is vigorous; the plant will thrive provided the necessary growing conditions are met.

Habit

It has an Erect habit of growth, giving a scenic appearance to flowerbeds and borders.

Branching

The branching is abundant and well-proportioned.

Use

Given its growth habits, plant habit and flowering characteristics, it is considered ideal as a plant for:
Outdoor landscape design Landscaping

Ideal climate and temperature

The biological temperature ranges from 10 to 38 °C.The ideal temperature is between 18 and 20 °C; it adapts well to hot summer climates.

Soil

It prefers a medium-textured, well-draining soil; for use in pots and planters, a substrate for spring plants containing peat and perlite is recommended.

Sun exposure

It adapts to any sun exposure: partial shade, dappled shade, full sun, afternoon sun; for best flowering, sunny positions are recommended, whilst taking care to meet its watering requirements.

Difficulty

It is easy to grow; with the right Irrigation and fertilizing, it will produce excellent growth and flowering.

Hardiness

It isa very hardy plant.

Growing tips

To ensure optimal growth, the following precautions and growing conditions must be taken into account:

Keep the growing medium dry at low temperatures

Soil preparation

To prepare the soil for transplanting, perform digging to a depth of 20–30 cm, removing any large stones, weeds and residues from previous crops. Chop up the clods thoroughly to make the soil looser and level the surface carefully.

pH

For hybrid begonia, the optimal pH of the soil or medium is sub-acidic, with values between 5.5 and 5.8.

Combinations with other plants

We recommend compositions in flowerbeds or planters alongside other ornamental species such as Coleus blumei, Heuchera, Euphorbia ‘Euforia White’, New Guinea Impatiens, Impatiens walleriana, Solenostemon coleoides or with other varieties of the same species, Begonia x hybrida, featuring flowers in different shades or colour tones.

Planting

For planting in flowerbeds, we recommend an average density of25 plants per square metre in order to ensure optimal growth of each individual plant and a well-proportioned composition. We suggest placing each seedling in a raised bed, burying the root ball completely and taking care not to damage the roots; finally, water immediately after planting, preferably in the morning.

Watering

Use rainwater, or alternatively tap water, either by hand or via an irrigation system. It is advisable to allow the growing medium or soil/medium to dry out slightly between waterings, bearing in mind that a correct irrigation method can prevent the development of fungal diseases and root rot; It is also necessary to care for the seedling immediately after transplanting to ensure proper root development in its new location, whilst maintaining a constant level of moisture in the soil. Do not water the above-ground part of the plant directly if it is exposed to direct sunlight; in particular, do not use water that is too cold to avoid possible scorching of the leaf margins.

Fertilising

Following proper establishment in the new planting site, during the spring-summer period, apply a specific liquid fertiliser for ornamentals to the soil or medium at the foot of the plant, i.e. diluted in the irrigation water, without exceeding the frequency and doses applied.

Propagation

By stem or Leaf cutting.

Edibility for humans

An ornamental, non-edible variety.

Tip

Avoid transplanting when temperatures are low (below 12°C), as this will halt growth. Also avoid Irrigation of the foliage during the hottest part of the day, when the sun is high, as this could cause leaf burn.