Begonia x tuberhybrida Non-Stop Orange F1

Begonia tuberhybrida Non-Stop Orange F1 is a variety known for its compact, well-branched habit and long flowering period of large and beautiful bright orange flowers, in perfect contrast with its vibrant green foliage. Healthy and continuous, the flowering extends from June until the first frosts. Thanks to its double flowers with strong petals, this variety is resistant to rain. It is perfectly suited for container gardening to enhance a patio or balcony, or in the ground to decorate a flower bed. Despite their robustness, these begonias require specific conditions: a shaded location, away from strong winds and intense sunlight. With a little attention and care, these begonias will grace your partially sunny spaces with their beauty.

Begonia x tuberhybrida, better known as the tuberous begonia, is a flowering plant native to the Andean regions of Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia. It belongs to the Begoniaceae family. It is a hybrid, resulting from complex cross-breeding between some South American species such as Begonia boliviensis or Begonia davisii. Originally, Begonias thrive in a damp and shaded environment, protected from direct sunlight.

The Non-Stop Orange F1 variety has the advantage of thriving both in full sun and in a shaded area. It forms a plant characterised by a flattened tuber, 4 to 10 cm (2 to 4in) wide, which is in vegetative rest from October to March-April, and in growth from April to October. In spring, new stems emerge from the upper part of the tuber, quickly producing leaves and flowers. This upright and bushy hybrid measures 35cm (14in) in height and spread. The leaves are asymmetrical, dentate, with a satin dark green colour that reveals the pattern of the veins. The hairy, reddish stems contribute to the decorative beauty of the foliage. From June to October, an abundant flowering covers a large part of the foliage. The flowers are large solitary rosettes, double or semi-double, measuring 9 to 11 cm (4in) in diameter.

The tuberous begonia requires a temperature between 10 and 25°C to develop properly. It is recommended to plant it in rich, slightly moist soil and to protect it from excessive heat. A semi-shaded exposure in the morning or evening is recommended. In early spring, when nights are cool, it is preferable to cultivate it indoors four to eight weeks before moving it outside around May-June, when nighttime temperatures are above 10°C. Once established outdoors, it will bloom all summer if regularly watered. In late autumn, the clumps should be lifted or the pots brought inside, allowing the foliage to dry before extracting the tubers from the soil, brushing them off, and storing them in a dry place until the following spring.

With its dense and compact habit, the Non-Stop Orange Begonia is an excellent plant for group planting, pots on the patio, and window boxes. It can also be grown as an indoor or conservatory plant. For an added touch of charm, the flower heads can even be cut and floated in bowls of water. The flowers are edible, but should not be consumed in quantities exceeding two per day. Remember to remove faded flowers to stimulate further blooming.