Begonia Fimbriata Red

The Red Fringed Begonia is a small tuberous begonia with a bushy habit that is adorned with large, round and very double flowers, in a bright red colour, with toothed and fringed petals, somewhat resembling certain carnations. This plant, which blooms generously throughout the summer, is ideal for decorating terraces and balconies, as well as flower beds. Easy to grow, this begonia also has the advantage of tolerating the sun, unlike other varieties.

Begonias belong to the Begoniaceae family and can be tuberous or rhizomatous. Originating from intertropical rainforests, they mainly come from South America but also from Africa or Asia. To simplify, we can say that rhizomatous begonias are those that continuously grow in the forest and do not experience a dry season. Tuberous begonias, on the other hand, live in the same areas but at higher altitudes on slightly brighter sites and experience a dry season leading to the loss of their leaves. This is the time for them to produce fruits and replenish nutrient reserves.

The Red Fringed Begonia belongs to the category of tuberous plants. It blooms continuously from June-July to October. The plant will reach a maturity of about 30cm (12in) in width and 40cm (16in) in height, it is not trailing. Its foliage is deciduous, dark green, alternate, and velvety. The leaf blades are always asymmetrical; the petioles have stipules at their base. The flower stalks are dark purple. The plant is herbaceous and often succulent. It will grow better if it receives a few hours of sunlight per day. The begonia appreciates light soils rich in organic matter (well-decomposed garden compost) that do not retain moisture. Additionally, it is quite susceptible to powdery mildew and nematodes and requires regular but not excessive watering.

Begonia Fimbriata is a frost-sensitive plant, so it does not tolerate negative temperatures. For this reason, it is often cultivated in containers that can be easily brought indoors in heated greenhouses or under a veranda at the first frost. If it is planted in the ground, it is time to remove the tubers and store them in a sheltered place until the following spring. You can associate it with other orange, yellow, or white fringed begonias in large flower pots, as well as in border plantings.