Begonia × tuberhybrida Splendide Alifra - Trailing tuberous begonia

Begonia × tuberhybrida Splendide 'Alifra’ is a variety known for its exceptionally large, double flowers in pink tones, and a very trailing habit, well-suited to hanging baskets, tall containers, and window boxes. Its generous flowering adds great charm to partially shaded terraces and balconies from summer to autumn. With appropriate care, it is possible to make it flower again for several years.

Belonging to the Begoniaceae family, this Alifra cultivar is classified in the group of tuberous begonias (Begonia × tuberhybrida), horticultural hybrids derived from several Andean species such as B. boliviensis, B. veitchii, or B. pearcei; it is sometimes marketed with the label "pendula/cascading" due to its trailing habit. Splendide refers to a series of cultivars with large double flowers in pastel colours (Splendide 'Apricot', ‘Ice Maiden’, ‘Ballerina’), of which ‘Alifra’ is the pink version.
This Alifra begonia grows from a tuber and forms fleshy stems each spring, adorned with asymmetrical, bright green leaves with finely toothed margins. The plant reaches 30 to 35 cm in height, with its arching stems spreading 45 to 60 cm wide. In summer it has double to semi-double, large flowers 12 to 15 cm in diameter. Each cup-shaped flower features numerous silky, overlapping tepals in a soft pink shaded with a deeper pink; the inflorescences, borne in pendulous clusters, are renewed from July to September-October if faded flowers are regularly removed. The deciduous foliage disappears at the end of the season during the tuber's dormancy; the brittle stems require a location sheltered from the wind.
The tubers are flattened storage organs measuring 5/6 cm and more at maturity which produce a mass of fine root hairs upon regrowth; they are frost-tender and should be stored dry and frost-free, ideally between 5 and 10 °C.

Plant this Splendide 'Alifra’ begonia in a hanging basket or wide bowl, in a light, humus-rich, and well-drained substrate, in bright partial shade, avoiding the scorching afternoon sun. Pair it with other trailing tuberous begonias from the Splendide series for a soft monochrome effect, or combine it with a variegated dwarf ivy such as Hedera helix Kolibri or a Plectranthus coleoides Variegatus. In container plantings, pair it with a trailing fuchsia Bella Rosella which will flower until the first frosts.

The genus name Begonia pays tribute to Michel Bégon (1638-1710), intendant of Santo Domingo and patron of the botanist Plumier. The rise of tuberous begonias in Europe was built in the 19th century from Andean species introduced by the Veitch and Lemoine nurseries; these cultivars popularised balcony begonias throughout the northern hemisphere.