Trailing begonia Splendide Flamenca - Begonia × tuberhybrida

Begonia × tuberhybrida Splendide 'Flamenca’ is an attractive variety known for its large double flowers, which come in pastel pink tones, and its particularly elegant trailing habit. Its flowering is abundant and long-lasting. It blooms for many long months, from early summer until autumn. The light flowers pair beautifully with the bright green foliage and trail elegantly over the sides of the container, be it a pot, planter, or hanging basket, creating a superb display. Perfect for brightening up partially shaded terraces and balconies, this non-hardy plant can flower for several years if its tuber is overwintered frost-free.

Begonia is the main member of the Begoniaceae family, which includes only one other, Hillebrandia, represented by a single species. The Begonia genus, named in honour of Michel Bégon, a great plant collector of the 17th century, is extremely prolific, with no fewer than 2000 wild species counted! To these are added numerous hybrids, including Tuberous Begonias (Begonia x tuberhybrida), whose origins are lost in the multitude of cross-breedings carried out since 1870 between several species (Begonia boliviensis, B. davisii, B. rosaeflora, etc.) and hybrids. The 'Flamenca' cultivar is part of the Splendide horticultural series, itself included in the "Pendula" group, in other words, trailing Begonias.
Each spring, the plant regenerates from its tuber, which is the survival organ and allows it to overwinter in a similar way to Dahlias (kept dry and frost-free). The Begonia then grows rapidly in spring, forming arching, fleshy stems adorned with asymmetrical leaves. The beautiful, bright to dark green leaves with a glossy surface are finely toothed around their edges. In about two months, it will reach around thirty centimetres in height with a spread of 45 to 55 cm. From June onwards, the plant begins to produce floral buds that open into large double flowers, measuring 6 to 10 cm in diameter. They are very sculptural, reminiscent of certain roses or camellias, with their petals overlapping one within another. The beautiful bright to salmon pink flowers, sometimes even subtly tinged with orange, open to reveal their centre at full maturity, while their colour tends to lighten. These variations in shape and colour coexist as new flowers bloom, creating a particularly decorative scene. Regularly fed with fertiliser, this Begonia will offer its lavish flowering until the first frosts of October, provided faded flowers are regularly removed to prevent the plant from tiring. Begonia Splendide 'Flamenca' doesn't like bright sunshine but, has few rivals for illuminating partially shaded spots, in the garden or on a terrace.

Plant your Begonia Flamenca in a hanging basket to achieve a superb display for many long months. Borne on long, flexible peduncles, the flowers will then trail from all sides, giving the plant its originality. Pair it with Fuchsias, which also enjoy partial shade, and whose equally artistic flowers will create a contrast in shape and colour. If you place it in a wide bowl or trough, you will have room to incorporate other plants, such as white compact Impatiens Sunpatiens, which will pair well with it, or even dwarf Hostas, which, in addition to their pastel flowering, will create beautiful foliage contrasts.