Garden and Flowers

FUCHSIA BEGONIA

At first sight, the shoots, leaves, and flowers of this Venezuelan begonia resemble those of fuchsias. The small, toothed leaves, lax red stems, and racemes of pendent spherical flowers are all reminiscent of fuchsias. The plant acquires a dense shrubby shape during its rapid growth in summer. It is sometimes overwintered as a container plant, but does not tolerate temperatures below 50 °F - too cold for this begonia to be popular among gardeners. It is possible to overwinter it in a living-room, but the atmosphere is often too dry there and Begonia fuchsioides is therefore usually sold as an annual. Specialist firms market cuttings on a massive scale in spring, and they find their way to the containers and flower-beds of those who love this bright and cheerful plant. It does not need a sunny position and, in fact, does better in a sheltered spot in partial shade.

The Begonia fuchsioides known also as fuchsia begonia has a shrubby form with slender stems and drooping clusters of beautiful fuchsialike blooms in a range of reds, pinks, and magentas that appear in winter. It is an attractive plant even out of bloom but is a bit more challenging to grow than other begonias. It is best grown in containers.