Begonias that dazzle

Explore the wealth of fabulous begonia hybrids ready to brighten borders, containers, window boxes and tubs with their bold colours this summer, says Anne Swithinbank

- Anne Swithinbank

BRACE yourselves for bold colour, as begonias bred for flowering in beds and containers are among the most dazzling of the plant world. Some manage to combine colour with elegance, yet others, especially the Begonia Semperflorens hybrids and Nonstop Series in paintbox-bright mixtures are downright gaudy, but somehow none the worse for it. There is a growing trend towards calm, simple gardens designed with wildlife in mind, and a burst of brazen colour near the house or flanking a pathway is often just what's needed. Though to draw in pollinating insects, choose begonias where single or less complicated flowers open to show stamens at the centre.

Weatherproof plants

Begonias designed for bedding and container use will flower their socks off from early summer to the first frosts. These versatile plants are weatherproof and can grow in sun or part-shade, making them top choices for brightening otherwise gloomy spaces. If borders are poor and dry during summer, plant begonias in containers raised off the soil on pot feet or bricks. Hybrids with longer trailing stems are perfect for hanging baskets fixed against a north wall.

Begonias also suit dramatic, exoticlooking gardens planted with hardy banana, rice paper plants (Tetrapanax papyrifer) and cannas. Choose leafy Begonia rex hybrids for their tapestrylike foliage, or the many hybrids of tuberous begonias with Begonia boliviensis in their breeding. These are easily recognised by their waterfalls of attractive, narrow leaves and many dainty, usually single blooms.

Anyone with a greenhouse or porch and ready for a challenge can have a go at choosing top-quality tubers of showynamed begonias to grow exhibitionsized blooms. These can be placed outdoors, but I always think they are best given some weather protection.