Begonia pendula Illumination Scarlet

The Begonias of the Illumination® series are very recent hybrid varieties, selected for their pretty semi-trailing habit, their floribundity, and their particularly colourful flowers. The Begonia Illumination® 'Scarlet' bears a quantity of semi-double flowers, with velvety corollas of a bright red. This variety grows quickly and flowers for a long time, showing a magnificent cascading habit that will make a sensation in flower beds and especially in hanging baskets. Not demanding, braving heat as well as cool climates, it blooms tirelessly from summer to autumn, almost maintenance-free, in both sun and shade.

The Illumination® Scarlet Tuberous Begonia is an herbaceous annual plant belonging to the begonia family, derived among others from the Begonia pendula, the most trailing of begonias. The plant, which initially forms a dome of vegetation, quickly expands to reach a height of 25-30 cm (9.8 - 11.8 in) and a diameter of 40-45 cm (15.7 - 17.7 in). Appearing in June and persisting until the first frost, its flowers are semi-double, asymmetrical, composed of petals of variable shape and size, of an intense red. They are gathered in clusters and bloom among thick, palmate leaves, with dentate edges, elegant, oblong and pointed, of a superb dark green colour that enhances the flowering. The plant tolerates partial shade and sun, as well as rainy and cool summers as much as heatwaves, which do not prevent it from flowering. Its stems are quite fragile and can break in strong winds. As its faded flowers fall off naturally, the plant requires little maintenance.

This Begonia is ideal for full sun, but it can also be placed in partial shade or even in shade. It can be used in tubs, balcony planters, or hanging baskets. The Begonias of the Illumination series go well with lobelias and bacopas, which are lightweight, but also with foliage plants, such as gnaphalliums, plectranthuses, lamiums, or even black-leaved ipomoeas. Begonias are also comfortable in well-groomed flower beds, in the company of lighter flowers, as well as when grown in pots on the terrace. Finally, it is good to know that there are hardy begonias, such as Begonia grandis.

Note: Attention, our young plants in mini-plugs are professional products reserved for experienced gardeners: upon receipt, transplant and store them under shelter (veranda, greenhouse, cold frame...) at a temperature above 14C° for a few weeks before being installed outdoors once all risk of frost has passed.