Marbled Begonia Mix

The Alternate Marbled Begonia Mix combines several varieties whose large double flowers resemble miniature roses or bicoloured camellias. The plants are highlighted by a delicate, darker border, always in harmony with the flower's colour. Depending on the plants, they display shades of apricot, salmon, pink, or red. These easy-to-care-for, compact, bushy begonias bloom for months until the first cold weather. They will significantly impact flower beds, borders, and flower pots in partial shade or mild sunlight. 

The Alternate Picotee Begonia belongs to the Begoniaceae family and is part of tuberous hybrid begonias, whose parents mainly originate from Andean tropical forests. It is a cultivar with a compact, bushy habit. It will reach a mature size of approximately 25-30 cm (10-12in) in all directions. Its deciduous foliage comprises glossy, alternate leaves with deeply cut edges, dark green and traversed by distinct lighter veins. The laminae are always asymmetrical and fleshy in texture; the petioles have stipules at their base. The stems of this begonia are thick, succulent, and brittle. Its flowers, with a minimum diameter of 7-8 cm (3in), are rounded and perfectly formed, composed of pleated petals resembling crepe paper. The flower's centre is occupied by a cluster of tightly packed small petals forming a flower bud that unfurls in a spiral, revealing yellow stamens in full bloom. The plant enters dormancy after flowering, which occurs uninterrupted from June to October. The tubers will be cultivated like those of Dahlias.

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