Begonia Tuberhybrida Bertinii

This Begonia Tuberhybrida 'Bertinii' has a very large tuber, a sign of exceptional vigor, confirmed by the abundance and length of its bright red flowering. The plant, which grows in an upright clump, continuously produces hundreds of flowers grouped in light and trailing clusters, with simple to semi-double petals. This variety is more tolerant of watering neglect and is suitable for both pot and hanging basket cultivation, as well as for the garden, always choosing a semi-shaded exposure.

Begonia 'Bertinii' belongs to the Begoniaceae family, it is part of the tuberous hybrid begonias whose parents mainly come from the Andean tropical forests. It is a cultivar that tirelessly flowers from July to October. At maturity, it reaches a width of 35 to 45cm (14 to 18in) and a height of 40 to 50cm (16 to 20in), forming a densely leafy ball. It starts vegetating in the middle of spring. Its leaves are deciduous, fleshy, dark green, alternate, heart-shaped, with toothed edges. The laminae are always asymmetrical and have a waxy texture; the petioles have stipules at their base. The stems of this begonia are brittle. Its flowers are either single or semi-double, with slightly open cups, bright red around a heart of yellow stamens, grouped in small trailing clusters. After flowering, the plant goes into dormancy. The tubers will be cultivated like those of Dahlias.

Begonias are unrivalled for decorating shaded or semi-shaded areas, even in the morning sun like this 'Bertinii' variety. They are also comfortable in well-maintained flower beds, in the company of lighter flowers such as compact gauras and baby's breath, as well as in pots on the terrace or balcony. This superb variety will be perfectly showcased in hanging baskets, but also in a large pot, in the conservatory or in the veranda. Lastly, it is good to know that there are hardy begonias, like Begonia grandis.