Begonia erecta Bouton de Rose - Begonia bulbs

Begonia erecta 'Bouton de Rose' boasts very large, well-double and plump corollas. Finely edged in dark pink on a pale pink background illuminated with white, the flowers are highlighted by a beautiful, shiny, deeply cut foliage with olive green reflections. This variety with an upright habit and dense growth is a gem for partial shade, both in the ground and in pots.

The 'Bouton de Rose' Begonia belongs to the begonia family. It is part of the tuberous begonia hybrids, whose parents mainly originate from Andean tropical forests. It is a cultivar that combines the characteristics of the 'Picotee' groups, flowering tirelessly from July to October. It will reach a maturity of about 40cm (16in) in all directions. From spring onwards, it shows a compact tufted or large cushion habit. Its foliage is deciduous, medium green tinged with olive and bronze, shiny, alternate, and the edges are deeply cut. The blades are always asymmetrical and fleshy in texture; the petioles have stipules at their base. The stems of this begonia are thick and relatively sturdy. Its very large 10cm (4in) diameter flowers at a minimum are globular and perfectly formed, composed of pleated petals like crepe paper, pale pink, whiter in the centre, with a fine border of almost red. The centre of the flower is occupied by a group of tightly packed small petals forming a flower bud. After flowering, which extends from June to October without interruption, the plant goes into dormancy. The tubers will be cultivated like those of Dahlias, meaning they will be stored in a dry, frost-free place in the shade during winter.

Begonias are unmatched in bringing colour to shaded areas. They are also comfortable in well-tended flower beds, in the company of lighter flowers such as lobelias or forget-me-nots, as well as when grown in pots on the terrace or in hanging baskets. This superb variety will be perfectly showcased in large pots in the conservatory or in the veranda. Finally, it is good to know that there are hardy begonias, such as Begonia grandis.