Divina White

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Begoniaceae

Order

Curcubitales

Genus

Begonia

Species

semperflorens

Description

An ornamental herbaceous plant with a compact growth habit, an upright habit and profuse branching. Easy to care for and maintain, it is used in landscaping within flowerbeds, including those in traffic islands, as a border plant or to decorate terraces and balconies in pots and planters, either on its own or in combination with other species, or by mixing different varieties to achieve refined colour balances. Its lush and prolonged flowering begins in mid-spring and continues until early autumn, with a range of colours extending from white to pink and red. The foliage, which is green or bronze/reddish depending on the variety, also creates a pleasing visual effect.

Varietal description

Moderately compact, medium-early, ideal for pots with a diameter of 10–12. More resistant to high temperatures. This is the ‘Semperflorens’ variety for large flowerbeds. During the February to mid-March growing cycles, it must be kept at temperatures above 14°C for the first two weeks. In subsequent cycles, as the days grow longer, ‘B. Divina’ can tolerate milder temperatures right from the start. Ideal for flowerbeds, it is renowned for its hardiness and moderate water requirements. Thanks to its great adaptability, it can be used in any aspect, from the sunniest to the shadiest, always guaranteeing prolonged flowering until mid-autumn.

curiosity and special features

In English Begonia semperflorens translates as 'always flowering plant' in relation to the prolonged blooms.

Begonias are classified as plants that filter air from pollutants and the leaves and flowers of some Species are also used in culinary applications.

Origin and Diffusion

The genus Begonia comprises herbaceous or semi-woody species 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 region from which this genus of ornamental plants originates is important in helping us to understand certain key factors relating to their environmental and cultivation requirements.

The term ‘begonia’ was coined by C. Plumier, a French botanist who first introduced the plant to Europe, in honour of M. Begon, a governor of the Antilles who lived in the 17th century; hybrids ofB. semperflorens originated from the crossing of South American species such as Begonia cucullata, which arrived at the Berlin Botanical Garden in the early 19th century. Through intensive breeding programmes, there are now many varieties available on the market, differing in growth vigour as well as in the colour shades of their leaves and flowers.

Flower size

It has a medium-sized flower compared to other varieties of the same species.

Leaf

The Leaf has a round foil in perfect formal balance with the individual flowers.

Flowering period

It flowers from mid-spring to mid-autumn for a period of between 160 and 180 days. This information is very useful for ensuring a continuous display of flowers in the garden, by alternating species and varieties with flowers or foliage of varying colours throughout the year.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence panicle.

Leaf color

A variety with solid-coloured foliage, it provides an excellent contrast to the colours of the flowers.

Plant height

The plant’s height ranges from 0.22 to 0.28 m, making it suitable for compact, colourful arrangements, in which it can be combined with other ornamental species of varying heights to create striking visual perspectives.

Lifespan

It is often grown as an annual plant because, depending on local climatic conditions, it may not survive for long once the low winter temperatures set in.

Suggested planting locations

It is ideal for use in flowerbeds, on terraces, in borders and in traffic-island flowerbeds.

Stem/stem

The stem is herbaceous; the plant has no thorns.

Flower

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

Growth

A variety with medium to vigorous growth, perfect for planting in flowerbeds or planters.

Plant habit

It develops plant habit, allowing proportional compositions with other ornamental species of different heights.

branching

The plant is profuselybranched, giving it a bushy appearance, rich in leaves and flowers.

pH

The pH of the soil or medium should be kept slightly acidic, approximately between 5.5 and 6.0 in order to achieve the best vegetative Growth and flowering results; pH values above 6.0 can lead to calcium, iron and magnesium deficiencies.

soil preparation

Before spring transplanting, dig the soil to a depth of 20–30 cm, removing, if present, any large stones, residues from previous crops and weeds; then work in some organic or slow-release chemical fertiliser and break up the coarser clods to make the soil looser. To improve drainage of excess water and prevent waterlogging, continue by creating a raised bed by gently mounding the soil; finally, level the surface carefully.

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sun exposure

Suitable for partial shade, dappled shade, full sun and afternoon sun. It does not thrive in overly shaded positions but prefers afternoon sun; whilst it can also grow in full sun, it may suffer in prolonged periods of high temperatures if not watered properly.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 16 and 20 °C.The biological temperature range is between 10 and 38 °C; it adapts well to hot summer climates.

Use

It is prized for its vigorous growth and spectacular flowering as a plant in:

Outdoor ornamental settings Landscaping

Hardiness

A highly hardy plant, it adapts very well to conditions that other ornamental species often cannot tolerate.

Soil/medium

It prefers medium textured, light and well draining soil. A spring plant medium containing peat and perlite is recommended for pots and planters.

Maintenance

Extremely easy to manage cultivation, it is an optimal solution to decorate gardens, terraces and flowerbeds without requiring any particular effort in its maintenance.

cultivation tips

To ensure proper vegetative growth and achieve abundant flowering:

Keep the growing medium dry at low temperatures

Composition

It can be used in flowerbeds or planters in combination with other ornamental plants such asCelosia argentea, Coleus blumei, Dahlia, Impatiens walleriana, Lobularia maritima, Perilla frutescens,Rudbeckia hirta, Salvia farinacea, Senecio cineraria and Verbena; combinations of different varieties belonging to the same species, B. semperflorens, are also recommended. Colour combinations may include shades of the same colour or an alternation of shades by choosing from the various available varieties, creating patterns or designs according to personal preference; it is also possible to create patches of colour or simple borders along paths and low walls; even in a smaller space such as planters or pots, it can be interspersed with plants featuring green or variegated foliage, or, as in a garden, varieties with flowers of different shades can be combined.

planting

For planting in flowerbeds, the optimal average density is 28 plants per square metre to ensure proper development of both the root system and the above-ground parts, thereby achieving a balanced formal composition.

It is also recommended 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

Propagation can be carried out using apical cuttings.

Irrigation

A correct watering method can play a vital role in preventing future fungal diseases and root rot. Watering can be carried out using rainwater, or alternatively tap water with an optimal sub-acidic pH, either manually or via an irrigation system. A useful tip is to allow the soil or growing medium to dry out slightly between waterings, whilst taking care to avoid letting it dry out completely; it is also advisable, after transplanting, to support the seedling until it has developed a suitable root system in its new location. It is also advisable not to wet the leaves directly when they are exposed to the sun and to avoid using excessively cold water.

Fertilization

For use in flowerbeds, when preparing the soil prior to planting, apply a base dressing of slow-release organo-mineral fertiliser. Once the plants have become properly established in their new location, use a balanced fertiliser specifically formulated for flowering ornamental plants, applying it to the soil or growing medium in the correct doses and according to the instructions on the label.

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Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Human toxicity

Toxicity following ingestion is unknown; avoid ingestion.

advise 1

DIVINA is a variety that is highly resistant to high temperatures, so it can be planted anywhere in the garden. It is a vigorous grower and reaches a greater final height than compact varieties such as Angy. In the garden, once it has become well-established, this variety does not require much water, particularly in semi-shaded positions or in full sun on heavy soil.