Better Homes and Gardens Australia — December 2017

With their shade-loving

habits, begonias are wonderful

for injecting flower colour

into low-light parts of the

garden. Here, a red variety

mixes it up with sweet potato

vine and white bacopa.

CLIMATE

Most varieties grow best in a mild

temperature range, between 15°C

and 26°C, though tuberous begonias

need it a little cooler to perform

at their best. They like humidity

and warmth, but can’t tolerate

extreme heat, dryness or frost.

POSITION

As a general rule, begonias favour

bright filtered light with no exposure

to harsh midday sun. Some species

will also tolerate deep shade. They

need good ventilation to help

prevent fungal diseases and do well

planted under trees and shrubs.

Some of the cane-stemmed and wax

varieties will tolerate full sun.

SOIL

In the garden, they require free-

draining soil improved with

compost. Heavy clay soil that

becomes waterlogged is unsuited,

as it can cause root and stem

rot. In pots, use a light free-

draining potting mix containing

coco coir, perlite or vermiculite

(African violet mix works well).

WATER

Begonias have fleshy stems and

leaves that hold water for long

periods of time, so they don’t need

constant watering. Too much water

can cause plants to turn brown and

rot, so allow them to dry out almost

completely between waterings. Try

to water the soil around the plant

and not the foliage, as wet leaves

can encourage powdery mildew.

FERTILISER

For potted plants, apply a general-

purpose slow-release fertiliser at the

time of potting and liquid fertiliser at

half-strength every two to three weeks

during the growing period. In the

garden, it’s advisable to incorporate

a general-purpose fertiliser into

the soil at planting time.

GROW YOUR BEST begonias

DECEMBER 2017 BHG 63