This
cross between a Tuberous Begonia and
a winter-flowering begonia combines
the best features of both -- the grace
and charm of a summer tuberous begonia
with the durability and sun tolerance
of a bedding begonia. 'Charisma' is
the newest and best of these hybrids,
offering heat and rain tolerance in
four colors of large flowers.
Light
requirement: Durable in
full sun if kept cool and moist. They
will be best given light shade from
the hottest direct afternoon sun.
Water
and fertilizer: Begonias
by their nature are fairly drought
tolerant. Thick juicy stems store
enough water that they will outperform
fuchsias and other hanging baskets.
Water them well once a day in baskets,
or irrigate as you would any bedding
plant. Good garden fertility will
reward you with constant flowering.
Suggested
uses: in hanging baskets,
deck planters, or mass plantings in
garden beds.
While
much of the information in this tip
is applicable in several gardening
zones/climates, some of the plants
and timing suggested are best suited
to the Northwest, generally in the
mild/wet growing regions found along
the I-5 corridor. You should make
appropriate adjustments or consult
local gardening experts in regions
whose climates differ from this area
of the Northwest.
|