It seems a shame, but tuberous begonias are often flowering at their best in late summer, just when it’s time to bring them indoors. Like most bulbs, tuberous begonias need a period of dormancy – several months where it’s dry, dark and cool. My bulbs spend the winter in a dark corner of our basement. I discovered my storage trick by trial and error over the many, many … [Read more...] about How to store tuberous begonias for the winter
begonia
Bedding plants catch the eye
Is it too early to think about what to plant in next year’s containers, even though many of this year’s displays are still going strong? Especially when I haven’t even planted my fall bulbs yet? However, after seeing some of the new bedding plants that will be introduced next year, it’s hard not to think ahead. I got a peek at what's in the growers' greenhouses at the 35th … [Read more...] about Bedding plants catch the eye
Sparks Will Fly begonia worth saving
Last May one of my impulse buys was Sparks Will Fly begonia (Begonia boliviensis ‘Brothglow’, 18 x 18 inches / 45 x 45 cm). Its bright tangerine-orange flowers look dazzling against bronze leaves with light green veins. Displayed in a shady corner on my deck, this plant carried on blooming until early August. After a 10-day rest, it’s now full of flower buds and looks like it … [Read more...] about Sparks Will Fly begonia worth saving
Tough little begonia
Heat and drought have stressed the garden, and it’s a short list of plants that are showing no effects from the hard conditions. Petunias, verbenas and calibrachoas look good, and self-sown ‘Purple Queen’ cleome are starting to bloom where their seed fell last summer. And, surprisingly, some little Nonstop Mocca White tuberous begonias think this is a fine season for growing. … [Read more...] about Tough little begonia
