Abundant Variety of Begonias

By Jos Van Hage

   There are many different varieties of tuberous begonia bulbs available in the garden centers right now and for the best selection you should come early. They come in a wide range of color, flower type, and are either upright or hanging making them perfect for hanging baskets, containers, or any shady spot in the flower bed.

Last year we started selling a new tuberous begonia for 2007 called the ‘Wave’. It is a cascading begonia ideal for hanging baskets. What makes it different from the other hanging (pendula) tuberous begonias is its flowers. The flowers grow upright rather than hang down making them very easy to see as they stick out more. The plant grows 12 inches tall and the flowers are double with straight edges that make them look like mini roses. The pendula begonias are also very beautiful and come in a wide range of color, size and type from single, semi-double, or double.

 Other types of tuberous begonias worth mentioning is the ‘Frimbiata’ type as these have ruffled petals, double flowers and look like a carnation. They grow 12 inches tall and the flowers come in red, yellow, and pink. Another double flower is the ‘Double Picotee’ with camellia like flowers and the outside edge of the flower has different color from the main color of the flower. They also come as a ‘Ruffled picotee’ in which the flowers have a different colored outer edge that is ruffled. ‘Marmorata’ produces large double red blooms with white splashes. ‘Marginata’ has large double flowers and the outside edges of the flower have a definite different color from the main flower color. Also available is the ‘Double Roseform’ which resembles mini roses. ’Single flowering types of tuberous begonias are the ‘Crispa’ and the ‘Cristata’ types. The flowers on the crispa types have ruffled edges and on the Cristata type the flowers have a frilly crest near the center of each petal.

These are just some of the many different varieties to choose from. Remember when choosing your bulb (tuber) always look for firm, healthy tubers that are large because the larger the tuber the larger the plant. This is the time of year to start tuberous begonias so that they get a good start and are well on their way for spring time!

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