Shade loving begonias are ideal patio décor plants …
In winter we search for the sun, but when the summer heat hits, a cool patio is the place to be. Lush container plants on the patio link the garden to the house, and that’s where begonias come in, especially the perennial varieties.
Begonias thrive in pots, and the shape, texture and colour of their varied leaves as well as their profusion of flowers make them great choice for the patio.
What’s to like
Begonias are easy to grow plants that need minimal care. They are not water guzzlers and only need watering when the top 5cm of soil feels dry. Make sure the pots drain well otherwise the roots will rot. Plants in hanging baskets will need watering more often than those in pots.
Most begonias are naturally bushy plants that don’t need pinching and they never stop flowering without having to be deadheaded. They will benefit from a once or twice a month feed with a liquid fertiliser.
Where to display them:
Begonias like plenty of bright light but not direct sun on their leaves, except the Dragon Wing, Baby Wing and Sun Dancer begonias that can take some morning sun.
Begonia Dragon Wing
These are the most theatrical and showiest of the perennial begonias. The scarlet, clear pink or white blooms are slightly pendulous and combine with the glossy green angel-wing leaves to make a bold statement. The lush, vigorous plants flower prolifically, reaching a height of 60 to 80 cm and spread of 40 to 45 cm. For a spectacular patio feature display Begonia Dragon Wing with scarlet and golden coleus and red impatiens.
Baby Wing may work better in a smaller space, as it is a neat, mounded plant, 30cm high and wide, with smaller Dragon Wing type leaves. However, it flowers just as impressively and is extremely heat tolerant and stands up to stressful conditions, making it ideal for containers.
Begonia ‘Hula’
‘Hula’ is the first of its kind spreading begonia. The trailing habit and many small flowers that cover the plant give it a great colour impact when planted in hanging baskets and containers. There is nothing showier than flowers spilling over the edge of a container or basket. The flower colours are blush, pink, red, red-white bicolour and white.
Begonia Bossa Nova
Especially bred for hanging baskets, Begonia ‘Bossa Nova’ is a Boliviensis begonia that has lantern-like flowers in vivid colours, and green or bronze leaves. The plants overflow hanging baskets and the large flowers drop off cleanly when they are over. Plants flower all summer long and do best in a semi-shaded position. Water daily when the heat is on. It is a good choice for any climate, especially in warm climates where other begonias have failed.
Begonia Sun Dancer
This compact, slightly spreading begonia stands out for its large double blooms that are larger than other begonia varieties. It makes a gorgeous hanging basket, as blooms can range in diameter from 5 -13cm. The brightly coloured blooms include apricot, scarlet-orange, a vivid red and a very pretty white-pink picotee.
Tuberous begonias
Tuberous begonias with their compact growth, large glossy leaves and even larger flowers are always a good décor choice for patios and indoors. They show off best as tabletop plants where you can admire the blooms.
Be careful of over watering them as they are susceptible to root rot.
‘Amerihybrid’ ruffled begonias boast the largest blooms in the world and not far behind them is Begonia ‘Nonstop,’ also with large blooms on a compact plant that flowers freely with double and semi-double blooms.
For more information: www.ballstraathof.co.za
Article and images by Alice Coetzee.
