Begonia semperflorens Super Olympia Red

Begonia semperflorens 'Super Olympia Red' is a new variety of annual begonia, with a bushy and compact habit supported by dense and vigorous foliage that resists harsh weather conditions. Its red flowers are single or double, and are arranged in generous clusters on round and glossy bright green leaves. Like all semperflorens hybrids, this variety blooms continuously until the first frost. It prefers shade or partial shade.

The 'Super Olympia Red' begonia is a non-hardy herbaceous perennial plant, grown as an annual, belonging to the begonia family. It is derived from Begonia semperflorens, a hybrid between two species native to Brazil. This variety is part of a series of recent hybrids selected for their vigorous and dense habit, floriferousness, as well as their very vibrant colours. 'Super Olympia Red' has stout and fleshy stems covered with tough, rounded leaves of a beautiful fresh green colour, glossy, about 5 cm (2 in) in length. This highly branched plant will quickly reach about 20 cm (7.9 in) in all directions. Appearing in May-June and present until the first frost, its abundant flowers are asymmetrical, cup-shaped, composed of rounded, bright red petals arranged around a small yellow heart and grouped in axillary clusters. Begonias are monoecious and bear flowers with exclusively male attributes (single flowers) and others with female attributes (double flowers). They are grouped in numerous terminal clusters.

This Begonia is ideal for brightening up a shady area, but it can also be placed in partial shade. It can be used in beds, containers, hanging baskets, or in large flowering pots. The Super Olympia series of begonias form beautiful ground cover when mixed with different varieties. They pair well with plants with light foliage and flowers, such as lobelias, annual pennisetums, bacopas, bidens, but also with petunias. For a more exotic look, you can create a colourful flowerbed by combining the Super Olympia Red with cannas or Hedychiums. It is also good to be aware that hardy varieties of begonia exist, such as Begonia grandis.

Please note that our young plants in mini-plugs are professional products intended for experienced gardeners: upon receipt, transplant and store them under shelter (veranda, greenhouse, frame) at a temperature above 14C° for a few weeks before planting outside once all risk of frost has passed.