Begonia boliviensis
Archive entry 12.06.11
Archive entry 19.07.15
Archive entry 16.07.17
3rd July 2005
Begonia boliviensis was one of the species that contributed to the development of the modern
tuberous Begonias, though its impact is clearer in the 'Pendula' types than in the fat double
'Tuberhybrida' forms often grown as bedding.
In recent years it has been re-introduced from the mountains of Bolivia and northern Argentina and
its astonishing elegant scarlet fountains of flower have been captivating. Growing from a tuber, the
new shoots in spring rapidly rise to about 3' tall, and then produce flowers from the tips of the growth from
June until the first frosts end the seasonal growth. The tubers are proving to be remarkably hardy, though
they will probably resent heavy wet soils in winter. They are easily lifted and stored if required.
A wonderful plant for a tub in a shady location.
15th August 2006
15th August 2006
20th July 2006
15th August 2007
30th April 2008
17th July 2009
This one is wonderful growing with a black leaved Colocasia. Not a classic combination, but it is a self-sown seedling and I'm not going to
interfere.
21st August 2011
9th September 2012
25th August 2016
3rd August 2019
It has been a while since I repropagated B. boliviensis, this seemed like the ideal year to allow it to set seed and start some youngsters.
Unfortnately I snapped the fleshy stem while dragging a hose around the greenhouse so it will have to be next year.