Begonia boliviensis San Francisco

The Begonia Bertinii boliviensis 'San Francisco' is part of the "Sun Cities" collection. It has a very large tuber, a sign of exceptional vigour. It is also more heat and sun resistant. 'San Francisco' reveals an abundant and long-lasting flowering of a salmon-orange hue, with simple bell-shaped flowers cascading over the narrow, pointed, toothed leaves. It is ideal for planting in pots, such as hanging baskets and planters, where its flowers delicately spread out on the sides.

The Begonia Bertini boliviensis 'San Francisco' belongs to the Begoniaceae family, and is part of the tuberous begonias hybrids whose parents mainly originate from the Andean tropical forests. It is a cultivar that blooms tirelessly from July to October. It will reach a height and width of 35 to 45 cm at maturity, forming a densely leafy ball. It starts growing from mid-spring. Its foliage is deciduous, fleshy, dark green, wing-shaped, with toothed edges. The leaf blades are always asymmetrical and waxy in texture; the petioles have stipules at their base. The stems of this begonia are brittle. Its flowers are simple, with slightly open bell-shaped flowers, clustered in small trailing clusters. After flowering, the plant goes into dormancy. The tubers should be grown like those of Dahlias.

Begonias are unrivalled for decorating shaded or semi-shaded areas. This "Sun Cities" collection provides hybrids that tolerate more sun and drought. Partial or full shade can be tolerated, but expect fewer but larger flowers and slightly slower growth. For best results, the soil should be rich, moist, and well-drained. Begonias also thrive in well-kept borders, alongside lighter flowers like compact gauras and baby's breath plants, as well as when grown in pots on a patio or balcony. This superb variety is perfectly showcased in hanging baskets, as well as in a large pot  or conservatory. Lastly, it is worth noting that there are hardy begonias, such as Begonia grandis.