Begonia × tuberhybrida Sangria - Tuberous picotee begonia

Begonia tuberhybrida ‘Sangria’, sometimes marketed under the name ‘Picotee Sangria’, has captivating, double, crinkled, and fringed corollas in warm hues, accentuated by a red border. It is a compact variety, ideal for pots, partially shaded planters, and sheltered borders, where it flowers flamboyantly all summer long.

Belonging to the Begoniaceae family, 'Sangria’ is part of the horticultural group Begonia × tuberhybrida, a vast line created in the 19th century from hybridisations between Andean species. Under the "Picotee" name, there is a range of selections with wavy and fringed petals, close to the Crispa Marginata type: the flowers are double, rounded, composed of crinkled petals, measuring 10 to 12 cm across. In 'Sangria', the base of the petals is yellow to apricot, turning orange over time, their margin evolving from dark orange to carmine red. The flowering period extends from June to October if spent flowers are removed. The plant forms a compact clump, with an upright-spreading habit, reaching 25–30 cm in height and 15–30 cm in spread. The asymmetrical, medium green leaves with a toothed edge are borne on fleshy and brittle stems. The roots and foliage develop from a flattened tuber.
In open ground, this begonia is cultivated as a seasonal plant: it does not tolerate frost. The tubers must be stored dry and cool at 8–10 °C during winter.

This 'Sangria' variety will thrive in a partially shaded location, with a few hours of morning sun. It appreciates light, humus-bearing soils that do not retain too much moisture. Begonias are often grown in pots or planters, which allows them to be easily brought into a cold greenhouse or conservatory before the first frosts. If planted in open ground, the tubers must be lifted after flowering and stored in a sheltered place until the following spring. This flamboyant 'Sangria' begonia will be perfect alongside its counterpart, Begonia Crispa 'Marginata White-Red', with very dark Coleus of the 'Palisandra' type and anise green ones like Copinto Margarita.

The "picotee" and "crispa marginata" types have been appreciated for over a century for their bicolour, fringed margins, a horticultural signature born from European breeders.