Begonias: Superstars for Shade All Year Long
Make the transition from sun-loving daisies to the dappled understory and you will discover begonias: sovereigns of filigree leaf-patterning and pendulous clusters of seashell pink blooms. Begonia is a group with more than 2,000 species; but only a small portion is seen in retail trade. Meanwhile, the ones that do can turn overlooked shaded corners into vivid hot spots. In the pergolas towering stems of bamboo-like styles are exhibited with angel-wing leaves speckled silver Cane Begonias. Rhizomatous types meander across the ground like freaky rugs of pattern and twist. Even the humble begonia plants for sale Australia, so frequently ignored, will flower endlessly from spring until frost shrug off the heat and humidity that wilts weaker flowering annuals. Where not much sun is allowed begonias do colour in spades.
Guide to begonias for sale Australia
Begonias have taken off in the past few years, swirled higher by pictures of rainbow-colour cultivars on plant- influencers’ social media. Hence, the stockists range from mass-market garden centres through to specialist collectors marketing via Instagram drops. To get the best growers make sure that they come from a similar climate as your own. Tropics plants, for example, often mope when sent to Tasmania mid-winter. You only need to look online where begonias for sale in Australia are readily available year-round, however keep in mind that prices range depending on the rarity of a certain style; something that is unique such as Begonia ‘Bevirimat’ can be over $70 for a small cutting. But first, check to ensure the seller grown patented breeds, a reputable grower will provide breeder permissions for their hybrids and are helping to conserve proper horticulture.
Check the articulated leaves on any begonias for sale Australia available to be purchased before putting them in your truck. Vibrant foliage will be plump and not have any dry tips or sunburn spots. The soil that the root is in should be firm and if you gently wiggle the stem near the dirt level it should not move a lot. Skip over plants with yellowing lower leaves, which is a sign of over-watering or worse still root rot. Since the root zones of begonias are fleshy and tender, check the texture of your potting mix as well. A blend with chunky perlite and fine bark chips is indicated; heavy peat alone could become water-logged. And remember, you are buying genetics and health; you are not paying for the best flower on a table or in the store window! A flowering plant in prime end-of-vegetative-growth health is frequently superior to a flashy but broken powerhouse.