Begonia boliviensis Santa Barbara

Begonia Bertinii boliviensis 'Santa Barbara' comes from the "Sun Cities" collection. It has a very large tubercle, a sign of exceptional vigour. It is also more heat and sun resistant. 'Santa Barbara' reveals bell-shaped flowers, ranging from cream to pure white, with a yellow heart, emanating from pretty pinkish stems and salmon pink buds. These flowers stand out beautifully against the plant's slender, pointed green leaves. It is ideal for planting in pots, such as hanging baskets and planters, where its flowers delicately spread out on the sides.

Begonia Bertini boliviensis 'Santa Barbara' belongs to the Begoniaceae family, it is part of the tuberous begonias whose parents originate mainly 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 vegetating from mid-spring. Its foliage is deciduous, fleshy, dark green, wing-shaped, with serrated edges. The 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 single, with slightly open bell shapes, grouped in small trailing clusters. After flowering, the plant goes dormant. The tubers will be grown like 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 beds, alongside lighter flowers like compact gauras and gypsophilas, as well as when grown in pots on the terrace or balcony. This superb variety is perfectly showcased in hanging baskets, but also in a large pot, in the winter garden or in the conservatory. Lastly, it is good to know that there are hardy begonias, like Begonia grandis.