The Begonia 'Samba' mix brings together several varieties chosen for their double and charming flowerings. From summer until late in the season, large, frizzy pompom flowers in various shades of pink, yellow, salmon, and red bloom on compact plants. Remarkably colourful and easy to grow, these begonias form a bouquet with a very exotic charm, creating a stunning effect in partial shade. They will stand out in a large pot on a semi-shaded terrace or in a well-maintained flowerbed. Continuous flowering from June to October.

The 'Samba' Begonias belong to the family of Begoniaceae and is part of the tuberous hybrid begonias, whose parents mainly come from the Andean tropical forests. It is a cultivar with a compact habit and bushy clumps. It will reach a size of approximately 25-30cm (10-12in) in all directions when fully mature. Its deciduous foliage is composed of glossy, alternate leaves with finely serrated edges, dark green and marked by lighter visible veins. Depending on the plants that make up this 'Samba' mix, they may be marbled with brownish-purple. The leaf blades are always asymmetrical and fleshy in texture; the petioles have stipules at their base. The stems of this begonia are thick, fleshy, and brittle. Its flowers, with a minimum diameter of 7-8cm (3in), are globular and composed of multiple pleated petals with finely serrated edges. The petals, which vary in colour depending on the plants, often have a thin border of a different colour. Depending on the plants, the flowers can be tinged with pink, salmon, apricot, yellow, or red. After flowering, which lasts from June to October without interruption, the plant goes into dormancy. The tubers will be cultivated like those of Dahlias.

Begonias are unrivalled for bringing colour to shaded areas. They also thrive in well-maintained flowerbeds, alongside lighter flowers such as lobelias or forget-me-nots, whether cultivated in pots on the terrace or in hanging baskets. This pendulous variety will be perfectly highlighted by the silver foliage of Dichondra 'Silver Falls' or the tiny white flowers of Euphorbia 'Diamond Frost' in large pots in the winter garden or conservatory. Lastly, it is good to know that there are hardy begonias, such as Begonia grandis.