Red Begonia pendula Tuberhybrida

Begonia pendula Red is a variety of tuberous begonia with a gracefully trailing habit and a very long flowering period of vibrant red. Its flexible stems are adorned with a multitude of small, single or double flowers, which are beautifully showcased against the dark green foliage. They cascade from hanging baskets and fill planters, bringing life to all semi-shaded areas of the terrace. This variety also stands out when planted in carefully arranged groups in a flower bed. Continuous flowering from June to October.

The Begonia pendula Red belongs to the Begoniaceae family and is part of the tuberous hybrid begonias, whose parents originate mainly from the Andean tropical forests. It is a trailing cultivar that reaches approximately 25-30cm (10-12in) in height when fully grown. Its deciduous foliage is composed of glossy, alternate leaves with finely serrated edges, dark green in colour and marked with prominent veins. The leaf blades are always asymmetrical, and the petioles have stipules at their base. The stems of this begonia are thick, fleshy, and brittle. Its male flowers are simple, cup-shaped with 4 petals, while the female flowers are fully double, measuring 3-4cm (1-2in) wide, with crepe-like, pleated petals in a pure red colour. They hang from long reddish petioles that emerge from the leaf axils. After flowering, which lasts from June to October without interruption, the plant enters a period of dormancy. The tubers will be cultivated like those of Dahlias.

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