Begonia Grandiflora Dark red - Double tuberous begonia

Begonia x tuberhybrida ‘Dark Red’ belongs to the Grandiflora group, recognisable by its large flowers. This variety produces large double flowers in a dark red shade leaning towards garnet from late spring until early autumn. This majestic colour is further enhanced by the deep, glossy green foliage. Positioned in partial shade, as it dislikes strong sun, this Begonia allows you to create a long-lasting floral display. It prefers a rich, humus-bearing soil that remains moist yet well-drained, as well as a sheltered location, due to its thick stems being relatively fragile. Whether in pots, containers, or in the ground, it proves to be particularly ornamental. At the end of the season, simply store the tuber in a dry, frost-free place to ensure a good start the following spring.

The Begoniaceae family, named after the Begonia, is small: it includes only one other genus, Hillebrandia, represented by a single species native to Hawaii. Begonias themselves, however, come in over two thousand species, mostly from warm, humid tropical regions. This explains their popularity as houseplants in our latitudes, as well as annuals in flower beds. The tuberous Begonia is hardier because its tuber, a storage organ for winter, allows it to tolerate occasional temperatures close to freezing. Resulting from hybridisations between various South American species, including Begonia boliviensis, B. davisii, B. rosaeflora and others, Begonia x tuberhybrida is thus perfectly suited to summer outdoor cultivation and can remain outside until October in many regions.
The 'Dark Red' variety is a Grandiflora version with dark red flowers. At the end of winter, the tuber sends out new robust shoots, quickly adorned with asymmetrical, finely toothed leaves of a deep, glossy green. The foliage is attractive even before the flowers appear, and the plant forms a broad, compact clump, approximately 30 to 35 cm in both height and spread. From June, the flowers begin to bloom as large, fully double corollas reaching 10 cm in diameter. Their shape is reminiscent of some roses or camellias, and their dark red, almost garnet colour adds an extra touch of distinction to the plant. Flowering can continue until September or October, especially if faded flowers are regularly removed, and the plant is fed to support the emergence of new buds. Outdoors, the above-ground part disappears after the first frosts; the tuber should then be brought in and kept dry during winter.

Begonia Grandiflora ‘Dark Red’ is one of the best choices for creating a flowering display all summer and even beyond. In beds, pots, or bowls, it pairs very well with plants with contrasting foliage. A Hosta tardiana 'Halcyon' with its ample blue leaves will be a perfect companion for a cool, shaded bed. Heucheras, whose range covers almost the entire spectrum of plant hues, will also be particularly suitable, both in the ground and in containers, due to their compact size. Consider annuals Impatiens and Sunpatiens for abundant flowering to accompany your Begonia throughout the growing season.