Bolivian Seed of Begonia - Begonia boliviensis

The Bolivian Begonia, in Latin Begonia boliviensis, was discovered in the heart of the Andean forest in 1864 by the botanist Richard Pearce, who immediately introduced it to Europe. The qualities of this plant were crossed with those of Begonia gracilis, pearcei, and veitcheii to obtain the hybrid tuberous Begonias that we know today.

The Andean Begonia thrives in a cool and shaded environment, protected from direct sunlight. The same conditions should be provided when planting it in our gardens, terraces, balconies, and windows.

Cultivate the Bolivian Begonia in a pot, in rich and moist soil. It is a semi-hardy perennial plant that is sensitive to temperatures below 5°C (41°F). Therefore, in autumn, the pots should be brought indoors, allowing the foliage to dry before extracting the tubers from the soil, brushing them, and storing them in a dry place until the following spring.

The plant develops long, flexible stems bearing narrow, asymmetrical, dentate leaves with a bluish-green color, slightly tinged with red along the edges. The stems grow up to a height of 45 to 60 cm (17.7 - 23.6 in) before arching towards the ground.

From July to October, abundant flowering covers a large part of the foliage. The flowers are large pendulous bell-shaped blooms, measuring 5-6 cm (2 - 2.4 in) in length, with a bright orange color.

Its pendulous habit is ideal for flowering pots on the terrace, hanging baskets and containers on balconies and windows in shady areas.