Begonia Tuberhybrida Group Tuberous Begonia
TUBEROUS BEGONIA
Many begonias come from tropical regions where there is little difference between the seasons. Tuberous begonias, which withdraw underground in unfavorable months, develop in regions where there is a significant difference between dry and rainy seasons, or cold and hot ones. They die down above ground, as do the species from the mountainous regions of Peru and Bolivia, from which the Tuberhybrida Group was derived. The cultivated varieties were created from numerous species that were intensively crossed, particularly since the 19th century. They include varieties with single flowers as well as those with fully double blooms, upright begonias, and trailing forms. There are examples in every flower color except blue. The colors are usually very pronounced and should be used only to add a bright touch or as a color zone in a flower-bed.
Plants from the Tuberhybrida Group may be put out-of-doors in a position sheltered from the wind after mid-May. Their stems are thick, succulent, and fragile; large sections of the plant may therefore easily break off. Tuberous begonias prefer clay soil, but also do well in ordinary potting compost. They do not tolerate stagnant water. Allow the soil in containers to dry out completely between watering sessions. They may be put in full sunlight, but do better in partial shade. Tuberous begonias were formerly brought indoors in autumn and the tubers would be kept in a frost-free place. Nowadays, commercial growers cultivate them as annuals from seed on a massive scale. The following are among those that are available.
From November, growers sow seeds of Nonstop-begonias in order to market flowering plants 5 months later. They are about 8 in tall, with fairly robust, pointed leaves, and produce clusters of double flowers, each of which may grow to about 4 in wide. Begonia ‘Non-stop Pink’ bears pale pink flowers. The series includes many shades of reddish pink as well as white, apricot, salmon, and a lovely white flower with a red blush. Begonia ‘Non stop Yellow’ is one of the hardiest cultivars in the Non-stop Series. Its 4-in wide flowers scarcely raise their heads above the at foliage, which often has a bronze glow.
Begonia ‘Pin-Up Flame’ was introduced in 1999. Its structure and round flower shape closely resemble those of Begonia ‘Pin-Up Rose’ which had been produced previously. The latter has 4-in wide white flowers with pink edges which gradually merge into the white area. It was awarded a Fleuroselect gold medal. ‘Pin-Up Flame’ has yellow flowers with orange-red edges. The plants grow to about 10 in tall. They are suitable for containers and flower-beds, but only in sheltered positions. The flowers dislike strong winds.
