Big Red Bronze Leaf

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Begoniaceae

Order

Cucurbitales

Genus

Begonia

Species

hybrida

Description

A hardy and vigorous ornamental herbaceous plant. It differs fromBegonia semperflorens, known as ‘Begonietta’, in that its flowers are larger, its growth habit is more compact, and it has a profusion of branches and leaves. Its growth habit varies according to the variety and can be upright 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 landscaping, where it creates visually striking displays with a high decorative impact in flowerbeds, including those along roadsides; it is also suitable for adorning terraces and balconies in planters and pots.

Species video

https://youtu.be/PtN6Gakocqk

Variety description

It isan ideal plant for landscaping, thanks to its performance in flowerbeds and its attractive bronze-coloured foliage, against which the red flowers stand out, setting it apart from the classic green-leaved begonias. Like all begonias, it requires high temperatures at the start of the growing season to prevent any slowdowns or growth problems. It is tolerant of the most common begonia diseases and very hardy in hot conditions and when water is scarce.

Curiosities and special features

Through hybridisation techniques, begonias are now available in numerous varieties, prized for their vigorous growth as well as for 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.

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); knowledge of 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.

Flower size

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

Leaf

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

Flowering period

The flowering period lastsfrom mid-spring to early autumn, lasting between 150 and 170 days.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence panicle.

Leaf colour

Solid colour, in perfect colour contrast with the blooms.

Plant height

The plant grows to a height of between 0.4 and 0.6 metres, making it ideal for mixed plantings with other ornamental plants to create elegant visual perspectives.

Lifespan

It is grown as an annual plant because, depending on the prevailing climatic conditions, it may not survive for long once 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, large pots, window boxes, large flowerbeds and roundabouts

Stem

The stem is herbaceous; the plant 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 early autumn, with a flowering period of between 150 and 170 days. It is attractive to bees.

Growth

Growth is vigorous; the plant can reach its full potential provided the growing conditions it requires are met.

Plant habit

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

Branching

The branching is moderate and well-proportioned.

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 to a depth of 20–30 cm, removing any large stones, weeds and residues from previous crops. Break up the clods thoroughly to make the soil looser and level the surface carefully.

Sun exposure

It adapts to any light condition: partial shade, shade, dappled shade, full sun, afternoon sun; for best flowering, sunny positions are recommended, whilst paying attention to its water requirements.

Ideal climate and temperature

The biological temperature ranges from 6 to 34 °C.The ideal temperature is between 18 and 20 °C; it adapts well to hot summer climates.

Use

Given its growth habits, habit and flowering characteristics, it is considered ideal for use in:
Outdoor landscape design Landscaping

Hardiness

It isa plant of moderate hardiness.

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; with appropriate watering and fertilisation, it will produce excellent growth and flowering results.

Growing tips

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

Expose the plant to as much light as possible Keep the growing medium dry at low temperatures It prefers a warm, humid climate

Combinations with other plants

We recommend planting them 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 of18 plants per square metre in order to ensure optimal growth of each individual plant and a well-proportioned final arrangement. 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.

Propagation

By stem or Leaf cutting.

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 to dry out slightly between waterings, bearing in mind that a correct watering 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 there. 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.

Edibility for humans

An ornamental, non-edible variety.

Tip

Take care not to wet the leaves when the sun is at its highest, as the magnifying effect of the water droplets will cause burns on the leaf margins, corresponding to the size of the droplets that remain on the upper surface after watering. It does not require heavy fertilisation in planters or pots; fertiliser applied with water every two weeks is sufficient. When planted in a border, it benefits greatly from both the use of loose, well-drained compost and a base dressing that will last for at least 3–4 months. Both promote lush, vigorous growth in begonias.