Begonia

Begonia

Asked on 29 Aug, 2008

This question is on Begonia

Can anyone tell me the name of this begonia? It's the first time I've had them in the garden, they've done brilliantly and the colour is superb, a deep orangy-red. The leaves are covered in prickly fur so the slugs hate them, yippee a slug safe plant! A huge flower appears with a smaller, less elegant with a vibrant yellow 'curly' centre hides behind it. I think I read somewhere that these should be pinched out, am I right to pinch these off or did I just dream that one up? What should I do with them when it gets cold? Can I bring them in the house or very shady conservatory, or do I cut them down and leave them in? Any advice would be greatly appreciated as they are so beautiful I'd hate to lose them.

Answer question

Replies

Spritzhenry

30 Aug, 2008

'Marksbegonias' is the site expert on begonias, so in case he doesn't see the question, send him a private message!

Marksbegonias

31 Aug, 2008

Looks a beautiful bloom. I'm certainly no expert, but i do grow Begonias and will do my best to help.
I have just written a blog "Double Tuberous Begonias, What's happening next" hope that helps. You may find the house too dry an atmosphere, although if they're going down i wouldn't think it as important as when they're growing.
The huge flower, as you say, is the male flower. There are generally 2 female flowers behind this which you should take out to get the best from your showy male bloom.
Is this a named variety? not all double tuberous Begonias are named - they have to be grown on trial for a period (i think 5 years) before they become a named exhibition Begonia, before that they have a number. Some unnamed ones can be just as nice, but when showing i go for the named ones which i get from Begonia specialist nurseries which for some new ones can be up to £30. If it is a named one, it looks a bit like "Tahiti" but i'm not sure.
I have seen some cheap named Begonias in garden centres and have tried them, but they haven't got the same quality as the ones from the specialists.

Answer question