Property News · April 23, 2016

Alys Fowler: think begonias are uncool? Think again


The wild variety are strikingly architectural and bring elegance to shady cornersCan begonias ever be rescued from the pit of uncool, my editor asks. The bedding sort with flowers that look like ra-ra skirts from the 80s? I doubt it. Anything bred with that sort of flounce is going to be hard to elevate.And why bother, when you can grow the species types? These wild begonias from Brazil, Bolivia, India, Japan and China (begonias get everywhere) are effortlessly cool, with striking architectural forms and elegant foliage perfect for shady corners where other plants struggle. They make wonderful container plants for patios, courtyards, basement gardens and shady balconies. Some of these begonias are truly hardy, surviving well below freezing, as long as their soil requirements are met; others are more borderline and will need to be treated as houseplants over winter. Continue reading…

Source : theguardian.com
Read more…Alys Fowler: think begonias are uncool? Think again

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