Begonia Switzerland

Begonia 'Switzerland' astonishes and seduces with its very dark foliage and beautiful, long double flowering, in a scarlet red. This tuberous begonia is a small, round plant, remarkably coloured and easy to succeed for a stunning effect in partial shade. A variety that will stand out in a large pot on a semi-shaded terrace or in a well-maintained flower bed. Continuous flowering from June to October.

Begonia 'Switzerland' belongs to the Begoniaceae family, it is part of the tuberous hybrid begonias, whose parents mainly originate from the Andean tropical forests. It is a cultivar with a compact, bushy habit. It will reach a size of approximately 25-30cm (10-12in) in all directions when mature. Its deciduous foliage is unusual with its remarkably decorative dark colour. Its leaves are glossy, alternate, with very serrated edges, tinted with bronze and dark purple on a deep olive green background and traversed by lighter apparent veins. The laminae are always asymmetric 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 perfectly formed, composed of pleated petals like crepe paper, in a deep and vibrant red. The flower's centre is occupied by a group of tightly packed small petals forming a flower bud that unfurls in a whirl, revealing fully bloomed yellow stamens. 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 adding colour to shaded areas. They are also at home in well-maintained flower beds, alongside lighter flowers such as lobelias or forget-me-nots, as well as in pots on the terrace or in hanging baskets. This unusual variety will be perfectly highlighted by the silver foliage of Dichondra 'Silver Falls', the tiny blue flowers of lobelias, in large pots in the winter garden or in the conservatory. Finally, it is good to know that there are hardy begonias, such as Begonia grandis.