The Bonfire Begonia, Ideal For A Sun or Part Sun Location...

About The Bonfire Begonia

In my travels to rural garden centers, I came across the Bonfire Begonia at Oakridge Greenhouses in Steinbach, Manitoba. And what a lovely specimen it was. I immediately purchased three plants and potted them as soon as I returned home.

While it looks like a delicate plant for shade gardens, let me say that this annual blooms best in full sun. I also love the fact that it is self cleaning...meaning that the spent flowers simply drop off the plant. However, I still remove the stem pods to keep the begonia looking tidy.

Below is what my Bonfire looks like in early August. (I planted the container in mid July) The container sits on the edge of my gazebo deck.

In order to get a bushier plant, it is recommended to pinch back the tips. I have not done this to my plants, but maybe next year. By the way, since these begonias are tubers, they can be taken in for the winter. In fact, I have read on other web sites that many gardeners have the Bonfire as houseplants.

I would imagine that in order for the plants to flower in abundance, they would need a area of the house with the brightest sunlight. Perhaps I will bring my tubers in for the winter and report back as to the outcome.

How To Plant the Bonfire Begonia

First and formost is this begonia require full sun but will tolerate some part shade. That being said, it also prefers a moist soil, but not soggy. Soggy soil equals stem rot.

The soil type can be anything from a bit sandy to clay, however adding some compost is beneficial. I use a 5 way mixture for all of my garden and container soil:

5 way garden soil mix...

• top soil
• sand
• straw/shredded or decomposed leaves, compost
• shredded wood chips
• well rotted manure (not fresh, it burns the plants)

Great companions plants for a container setting: Dusty Miller, Euphorbia Diamond Frost, Ageratum Blue Hawaii or the yellow Bidens as a strong contrast.

Check out my Site Index Page for a listing of additional annuals and perennials to plant in your flower garden design.

Bonfire Begonia Features

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