Begonia Dragon Wing Red

The 'Dragon Wing Red' Begonia is a spectacular annual begonia, always covered in flowers of a very bright red, superb whatever the weather. Its large clusters of single flowers are set on healthy, winged leaves, sporting a very shiny bright green shade. This bushy and vigorous variety brings a very exotic touch to pots, containers, or large hanging baskets. This plant withstands the midday sun and intense heat well, but prefers partially shaded situations.

The 'Dragon Wing Red' Begonia is a non-hardy herbaceous perennial plant, grown as an annual, belonging to the Begoniaceae family. It comes from the Begonia semperflorens, a hybrid between two species native to Brazil. This variety is part of a series of sterile hybrids obtained in 1997, selected for their good resistance to sun and heat, their vigour, as well as their sensational foliage. 'Dragon Wing Red' has tender, fleshy stems covered with thick, leathery, oblong and cordate leaves, of a beautiful dark green colour, shiny, about 6 cm (2.4 in) long, giving a lush impression. This highly branched plant will quickly reach a height of 30 to 40 cm (11.8 - 15.7 in) and a diameter of 30 to 40 cm (11.8 - 15.7 in). Appearing in May-June and lasting until the first frost, its abundant flowers are simple, cup-shaped, composed of 4 rounded petals, of a very cheerful scarlet red. They are gathered in cascading clusters. The plant tolerates temporary drought quite well. Its sterile flowers wither and fall naturally, reducing maintenance to a minimum.

This Begonia is ideal for full sun, but can also be placed in partial shade. Placed in a partially shaded to shaded exposure, it will show its full potential; placed in a sunny position, it will be more compact, develop smaller leaves that will take on a coppery or reddish colouration. It can be used in borders, pots, large flower pots, but also to create large hanging baskets, mixed with black-leaved ipomoeas for example. Sometimes forgotten, annual begonias can hide a fence, fill in a slightly empty area, or accompany a shrub that lacks colour. The 'Dragon Wing' Begonias go well with plants with light foliage and flowers, such as lobelias, bacopas, bidens, but also with petunias. In a more exotic spirit, a colourful border can be created by combining them with cannas, castor oil plants, or hedychiums. Finally, it is good to know that there are hardy begonias, such as Begonia grandis.

Note: Please be aware that our young plants in mini-pots are professional products reserved for experienced gardeners: upon receipt, repot and store them under cover (veranda, greenhouse, cold frame...) at a temperature above 14°C for a few weeks before planting them outdoors once all risk of frost has passed.