Begonia boliviensis Santa Cruz

Begonia Bertinii boliviensis 'Santa Cruz' comes from the 'Sun Cities' collection. It has a very large tuber, a guarantee of exceptional vigour. It is also more heat and sun resistant. 'Santa Cruz' reveals bell-shaped flowers, in a fiery red-orange hue, with a yellow heart. These flowers stand out beautifully against the plant's slender, pointed green leaves. It is ideal for planting in pots, such as hanging baskets and planters, where its flowers delicately spread out on the sides.

Begonia Bertinii boliviensis 'Santa Cruz' belongs to the Begoniaceae family, and is part of tuberous hybrid begonias whose parents are mainly from the Andean tropical forests. It is a cultivar that blooms tirelessly from July to October. It will reach a height and width of 35 to 45 cm at maturity, forming a densely leafy ball. It starts vegetating from mid-spring. Its foliage is deciduous, fleshy, dark green, wing-shaped, with serrated edges. The laminae are always asymmetrical and waxy in texture; the petioles have stipules at their base. The stems of this begonia are brittle. Its flowers are single, with slightly open bell shapes, grouped in small trailing clusters. After flowering, the plant goes into dormancy. The tubers will be grown like those of Dahlias.

Begonias are unrivalled for decorating shaded or semi-shaded areas. This 'Sun Cities' collection provides hybrids that tolerate more sun and drought. Partial or full shade can be tolerated, but expect fewer but larger flowers, and slightly slower growth. For best results, the soil should be rich, moist, and well-drained. Begonias are also ideal in neat flower beds, alongside lighter flowers like compact gauras and gypsophilas, as well as when grown in pots on the terrace or balcony. This superb variety is perfectly showcased in hanging baskets, but also in a large pot, in the winter garden, or in the conservatory. Lastly, it's good to know that there are hardy begonias, like Begonia grandis.