Begonia boliviensis Copacabana Salmon coated seeds

Bolivian Begonia Copacabana F1 Salmon is a trailing tuberous begonia offered here as coated seeds, which are easier to sow. From June to October, it produces an abundance of salmon-pink, bell-shaped, light flowers on flexible stems that spill generously over the edges of containers. This hybrid cultivar stands out for its naturally branched growth, early and continuous flowering, as well as a good tolerance to morning sun, rain, and short dry spells.

Sowing seed allows you to obtain enough plants for a border or several uniform hanging baskets within a few weeks, in a soft salmon colour that is easy to pair. In window boxes, hanging baskets, or slightly raised beds, its refined appearance is much appreciated.

Botanically speaking, the Bolivian Begonia belongs to the Begoniaceae family. The type species, Begonia boliviensis, known as Bolivian begonia or Andean begonia, is native to the damp, rocky slopes of the Bolivian Andes and northwestern Argentina. 
The Copacabana F1 series, to which this Salmon colour belongs, was selected by the Czech seed company Černý Seed. It is a range of Bolivian begonias grown from seed, capable of rivalling trailing varieties propagated by cuttings. Within this series, the different colours (orange, salmon, red, yellow, white, tricolour) share a highly branched habit, prolific flowering of tubular bell-shaped, 6 to 7cm long flowers, and great versatility in use, in sun or partial shade.
The plants first form a rosette of bright green leaves, then upright stems that branch abundantly before arching over. Each reaches approximately 35cm high and 40 to 50cm wide, with growth that spreads slightly. In hanging pots, the flexible stems trail generously, extending 60 to 80cm when consistently fed. The foliage consists of asymmetrical, lanceolate, finely toothed, 8 to 12 cm long leaves in a fresh green that highlights the salmon hue of the flowers. Flowering begins 14 to 17 weeks after sowing, then continues uninterrupted until the first frosts. The pendulous inflorescences develop in the leaf axils and bear several tubular, tapering flowers, like small chandeliers. In Copacabana F1 Salmon, the tepals are narrow and slightly wavy, bright salmon-pink, lighter towards the throat. The larger male flowers display a cluster of yellow stamens; the female flowers have a winged, trilobed ovary that later produces small capsules filled with extremely fine seeds.

Like most tuberous begonias, Copacabana F1 Salmon cannot tolerate frost or waterlogged soil. The plant enters dormancy in autumn: you can allow the foliage to dry, then lift and store the tubers in a dry, frost-free place, ready to replant the following spring.

In a window box or hanging basket, Begonia Copacabana F1 Salmon creates opulent displays, with its cascades of salmon flowers mingling with the foliage of companion plants. It can be paired with the cream and green variegated foliage of Plectranthus coleoides 'Variegatus', which forms a light frame around its flowers. Bacopa 'Scopia Double Lavender', covered in small mauve flowers, is highly complementary. To complete the arrangement, you can add a few Petunia 'BeautiCal Cinnamon' and Nemesia Sunsatia Plus 'Little Vanilla'.