Begonia odorata Mix

This brand new selection of Begonia odorata brings together three cultivars of trailing begonias that stand out from other varieties with the pleasant fragrance of their large, very double flowers, beautiful like roses, which is a major advantage for ornamental use around the house. The plants, with their sturdy, trailing habit and fleshy foliage, deliver this quite exceptional flowering until October, which will be white and pale pink, bright pink, or light red depending on the variety. These begonias prefer semi-shaded positions and fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Planted together or individually, they will quickly become indispensable in containers, planters, and summer hanging baskets.

Begonia odorata belongs to the Begoniaceae family and is part of the tuberous hybrid begonias, whose parents mainly originate from the Andean tropical forests. The plants in the Cascade Odorata selection also descend from the fragrant begonia, a subshrub with semi-woody stems native to the Antilles. The plants flower tirelessly from July to October. They will reach a height of 40cm (16in) and a diameter of 50cm (20in) at maturity. Their habit is bushy, slightly trailing, forming a large cushion. The deciduous foliage is glossy, fleshy, medium green, triangular, with deeply cut edges. The strongly cut laminae are always asymmetric and have a waxy texture; the petioles have stipules at their base. Their large flowers, with a minimum diameter of 6cm (2in), are round and very double, composed of petals with finely toothed edges. The colour will be white with pale pink reverse in the first variety, medium bright pink in the second, and light red in the third. After flowering, the plant enters dormancy. The tubers will be cultivated like those of dahlias.

Begonias are unrivalled for decorating shaded areas. They are also at home in well-maintained flower beds, alongside lighter flowers, as well as in pots on the terrace or in hanging baskets. This superb variety will be perfectly showcased in hanging baskets in the conservatory or veranda. Finally, it is good to know that there are hardy begonias, like Begonia grandis.