Sensy Cascade Rose
Begonia
Begonia
Scientific classification
Class
Dicotyledons
Division
Angiospermae
Family
Begoniaceae
Order
Cucurbitales
Genus
Begonia
Species
hybrida
Key information
Description
A hardy and vigorous ornamental herbaceous plant. It differs from Begonia semperflorens, known as Begonia semperflorens, due to its larger flower size, better compactness and richness of branching and leaves. The habit differs depending on the variety and can be upright or drooping, while the very decorative foliage comes in different shades of green or bronze. Easy to manage, it adapts well to hot summer climates. It is ideal for use in landscaping where in flower beds, including roadside verges, it creates visual displays with a highly decorative effect; it is also suitable for decorating terraces and balconies in planters and pots.
Species video
https://youtu.be/PtN6Gakocqk
Variety description
The sensy cascade is an ideal plant for use in baskets or even better in large tubs as a unique drooping begonia. Rustic and generous in flowering, with the cascade it is easy to obtain brilliantly coloured basins from May to October, with a great visual impact, even from a distance. In cultivation, b. Sensy needs high temperatures at the beginning of cultivation, like all begonias, in order not to have any slowdowns or problems in growth. It is tolerant to the most common begonia diseases and very hardy in hot and water scarce conditions.
Origin and history
Curiosities and special features
Through hybridisation techniques, begonias are now available in numerous varieties that are appreciated for their vigorous growth as well as the wide colour range of their blooms and are used both in landscaping to adorn flowerbeds, including roadside verges, and to add a colourful accent to terraces and balconies in large pots and planters.
Origin and distribution
Begonias are native to the tropical and subtropical zones of Africa (Cameroon and South Africa), Asia (China and Sri Lanka) and America (Brazil, Amazonia, Peru); knowledge of where this genus of ornamental plants originates from is important to help us understand certain factors related to their environmental and cultivation requirements. 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.
Main features
Flower size
The flower is large compared to other varieties of the same species.
Leaf
Leaf has a cordate-reniform, Obovata-based lamina.
Flowering period
Flowering lasts from mid-spring to mid-autumn and lasts from 150 to 170 days.
Inflorescence
Inflorescence panicle.
Leaf colour
Solid colour, in perfect colour contrast with the blooms.
Plant height
The height of the plant varies from 0.4 to 0.6 m, making it ideal for mixed compositions with other ornamentals, achieving refined perspective views.
Lifespan
Cultivated as an annual plant because, depending on the climatic conditions, it may not resist for long at the onset of low temperatures.
Where to plant
It is suitable for adorning green spaces with a high decorative value, and is in fact considered a typical plant for flowerbeds , terraces, outdoor tubs, large pots, planters, large flowerbeds and roadside roundabouts
Stem
The stem is herbaceous, the variety has no thorns.
Flower
The flower is simple in form, large in size, with an irregular corolla and plain petals. It is arranged in medium-sized panicle-like inflorescences. It flowers from mid-spring to mid-autumn, with a flowering period of between 150 and 170 days. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.
Growth
Growth is medium to vigorous; the plant achieves optimal development if the cultural conditions it needs are guaranteed.
Plant habit
It has a semi-recumbent habit of growth, giving a scenic appearance to flowerbeds and borders.
Branching
The branching is medium and proportionate.
Growing conditions
PH
For hybrid begonia, the optimal pH of the soil or medium is sub-acidic, with values between 5.5 and 5.8.
Soil preparation
To prepare the soil for transplanting, dig 20/30 cm deep by removing any bulky stones, weeds and residues of previous crops. Chop up the clods well to obtain greater softness and carefully level the surface.
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Sun exposure
It adapts to any exposure: half shade, light shade, full sun, afternoon sun; for best flowering, sunny positions are recommended, paying attention to water requirements.
Ideal climate and temperature
The biological temperature is between 6 and 34 °C. The ideal temperature is between 18 and 20 °C; it adapts well to hot summer climates.
Use
It is considered, in relation to its growth, bearing and flowering characteristics, to be ideal as a field plant:
Outdoor Landscape Design Landscaping
Hardiness
It is a moderately hardy plant.
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.
Difficulty
Cultivation is moderately difficult, but with appropriate irrigation and fertilisation will ensure excellent growth and flowering results.
Growing tips
In order to achieve optimal growth, the following precautions and cultivation conditions must be considered:
Expose the plant to maximum light Keep the substrate dry at low temperatures Prefers warm and humid climate
Combinations with other plants
Flower bed or planter arrangements are recommended with other ornamental species such as Coleus blumei, Heuchera, Euphorbia Euphoria white, Impatiens New Guinea, Impatiens walleriana, Solenostemon coleoides or with other varieties of the same species Begonia x hybrida with flowers of different hues or shades of colour.
Care and plant health
Planting
For bed planting we recommend an average density of 16 plants per square metre in order to achieve optimum growth of each individual specimen and a proportionate final composition. We suggest placing each seedling on a raised bed, burying the lump completely and taking care not to injure the roots, then water immediately after planting, preferably during the morning hours.
Propagation
By stem or Leaf cutting.
Watering
Use rainwater, alternatively from the aqueduct, either manually or by means of an irrigation system. It is advisable to allow the substrate or soil to dry slightly between each watering, remembering that a correct method of irrigation can prevent the development of fungal diseases and root rot; it is also necessary to attend to the seedling immediately after transplanting to ensure correct root development in the new site by keeping it at a constant humidity. Do not water the aerial part of the plant directly if it is exposed to direct light; in particular, do not use water that is too cold to avoid possible burning of the leaf edges.
/irrigation-ornamental-plants/
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.
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Edibility and toxicity
Edibility for humans
Non-edible ornamental variety.
Expert advice
Tip
When planted in direct sunlight during the hottest hours, they produce more flowers, but it is advisable to transplant at a higher density to favour a microclimate that makes them grow more luxuriantly and with larger leaves. Leaf wetting should be avoided in the brightest areas.
Profile curated by Maurizio Arbusti.




