Tuesday, May 5, 2009

'Bonfire' Begonia


Talk about a plant worth having...

Begonia boliviensis 'Bonfire'

The fiery 'Bonfire' is the rare begonia that not only tolerates full sun but thrives in it. This is a mounding begonia that can spread out to be a 20" x 20" plant, with a trailing habit that makes it ideal for hanging basket or urns.

'Bonfire' has small but abundant red-orange, fluted flowers that explode from medium green serrated leaves, edged with red. It is a perennial in zones 9 to 11, but needs to overwinter indoors in colder climates.



As with most begonias, it doesn't tolerate overwatering. Good drainage is essential or roots will rot. It will tolerate shade or partial shade, but will flower most profusely and produce the most vibrant color in full sun.

This plant looks quite provocative with deep burgundies or true purples and with silver plants like lamb's ears or artemisia. 'Bonfire' is the perfect plant to withstand the heat and humidity of the summer garden.

2 comments:

  1. I couldn't agree more! This begonia is definitely enjoying it's status as Plant of the Season in my gardens: I bought 3 flats of them recently for containers and window boxes for BOTH sun and shade! DY-NO-MITE!

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  2. where can I buy this plant/seeds? It might do well in my climate.

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