If you are looking for best garden decor ideas add a section to your garden or patio with begonias. They make such a good display that they are even best grown on their own. It is better if they get indirect light, so find a spot where there is shade. Begonias belong to a family of hundreds of different species and the most common one is the Elatior Begonia which was developed by extensive hybridization done by a German botanist. His work produced plants which were resistant to mildew, which had more and bigger flowers and an extended flowering season.
Begonias are naturally fall and winter flowers but can now be bought throughout the year. They have large green leaves with flowers about 5 to 8cm. The flowers are semi-double, double and single. The color range is wide and includes red, pink, white and salmon pink. They are long lasting and the plant may be in flower for many months. New varieties and shades appear frequently but unfortunately they do not have any scent.
They are usually sold as fairly bushy and compact plants. If you grow them on from year to year, carefully cut back leggy growth to keep the compact shape. Begonias need careful repotting and you should only do it if it is absolutely necessary. The stems are very brittle and can easily snap off. A small injury could lead to rot or mildew. Repot after the flowering season when the plant has been cut back a bit. To repot, follow these guidelines:
- Remove from old pot and try not to damage roots.
- Use peat based mixture. Moisten and fill the pot taking care with the roots. Do not press the mixture down too hard.
- Put the begonia in the shade for a few days. At first do not water. This will force the roots to grow into the potting mixture in search of moisture and will establish the plant strongly. Begin more generous watering when well established.
Begonias can look very beautiful in your garden but they do need understanding as they are quite fragile. Cut back after flowering and pinch new shoots back to keep compact shape. Repot only if plant has grown too large for its original pot, and in growing period water moderately. Make sure that you follow the instructions on the pack when it comes to feeding.
Profuse flowers over a long period of time in autumn and winter are the rewards you will enjoy if you enhance your garden decor with colorful begonias.