Tuberous Begonias
Few bulbous flowering plants are as spectacular as Begonia tuberhybrida (tuberous begonia). And fortunately for shade gardeners, they grow best in light shade. Vibrant single or double flowers appear all summer until frost in a variety of colors ranging from vivid red, fluorescent orange, and bright yellow to pastel apricot, pink, and pure white. They enhance and brighten any shade garden, whether in a shrub border, flower bed, windowbox, or potted on the patio. Tuberous begonias are available in numerous forms: upright plants that grow 12 to 18 inches tall; multiflora bushy varieties with small flowers; and the pendula, or hanging basket, varieties with stems trailing to 18 inches. Try the pendulas in moss-lined hanging baskets for a cool, shady spot.
Tuberous begonias are not hardy outdoors, and should be dug up each fall and replanted in the spring. Plant the tubers outdoors after the last spring frost in well-drained soil that is kept evenly moist. Fertilize with a complete fertilizer twice a month. To encourage continuous blooms, remove fading blossoms, and pinch back the stem tips if the plants become leggy.
Bring some color indoors and enjoy tuberous begonias as cut flowers. Cut the blossoms when they are fully open and float them in a shallow dish. Gently sprinkle the petals with water to make them last longer. The stems are very brittle, so handle them carefully.
