Begonia boliviensis Copacabana Red coated seeds

The Bolivian Begonia Copacabana F1 Red is a trailing tuberous begonia adorned with a profusion of long red bell-shaped flowers, from early summer until the first cold spells. Derived from the species Begonia boliviensis, this hybrid cultivar is characterised by vigorous growth, almost uninterrupted flowering and better tolerance to sun, rain and irregular watering. In hanging baskets, window boxes or large pots, it forms a light and colourful mass in a single season.

Sow the coated seeds under cover; they are much easier to handle than traditional fine seeds. This method of propagation makes it possible to produce a large number of uniform young plants at a reasonable cost.

Botanically speaking, the Bolivian begonia belongs to the Begoniaceae family. The type species, Begonia boliviensis, also known as the Bolivian tuberous begonia or Andean begonia, is native to the mountains of Bolivia and north-western Argentina. It is a tuberous perennial. In our climates, this plant is grown as a frost-tender perennial or, more simply, as a summer annual: its tubers cannot withstand frost in open ground.
The Copacabana F1 series, created by the Czech seed house Cerny Seed, was developed as an alternative to trailing begonias propagated by cuttings. Introduced in the early 2010s, it includes several shades (orange, salmon, red, white, yellow and tricolour), all marked by a compact habit, abundant flowering and good adaptability to a variety of growing conditions, in pots as well as in borders.

Copacabana F1 Red plants form a dense clump within a few weeks, at first slightly upright, then highly branched and softly trailing. Each reaches 35 to 40cm in height and 40 to 50cm in width; in hanging baskets, the arching stems easily cascade down 50 to 60cm. The bright green foliage consists of narrow, asymmetrical, finely toothed, 8 to 12 cm long leaves. Flowering extends from June to October, provided sown early enough: allow 14 to 17 weeks between sowing and the first flowers. The pendulous inflorescences arise from the leaf axils. Each flower, shaped like an elongated bell, measures 6 to 7cm in length. The narrow tepals display a deep red, slightly lighter towards the throat, and curl backwards. As with all begonias, male and female flowers coexist on the same plant: the more imposing male bears a cluster of stamens, the female a winged ovary which then produces small capsules containing seeds.

Begonia boliviensis Copacabana F1 Red is suitable for hanging baskets, deep window boxes and large pots. Grow it in a rich, light potting compost that remains moist without being waterlogged, preferably in a sheltered position away from wind. It pairs well with the blue-grey foliage of Dichondra 'Silver Falls', which highlights its red flowers, and with Begonia pendula White. To add a floral note, you can add a few plants of Calibrachoa Lia® 'Spark Pink'.

Historically, Begonia boliviensis played an important role in the creation of modern tuberous begonias. Introduced to Europe in 1864 by the British collector Richard Pearce, it was presented to the public in 1867 in Paris. It served as a parent to several of the first horticultural hybrids that established the reputation of large-flowered begonias. In our latitudes, the Bolivian begonia and its hybrids, such as the Copacabana series, are grown exclusively for their ornamental value.