Begonias

Begonia 'Camelia Mixed' produces large, camellia-like double blooms in a bright mixed palette, bringing rich colour and a soft, petal-packed look to summer containers and sheltered borders from early summer onwards.

Forming a compact, upright mound, this tuberous begonia typically reaches an established height of around 25–40 cm in a single season, with repeat-flowering stems that keep the display fresh when you remove faded blooms.

Start tubers in a frost-free place in spring, then plant outside once all risk of frost has passed. Choose humus-rich, well-drained soil and a sheltered spot with bright shade or gentle morning sun, as strong midday sun can scorch leaves and flowers.

Water carefully until growth is established, then keep the compost evenly moist (never waterlogged). Feed every two to three weeks through the growing season for stronger flowering, and protect plants from heavy rain and wind to prevent damage to the blooms.

Ideal for patio pots, window boxes and shaded beds, these begonias provide long-lasting colour and are easy to overwinter: lift the tubers after the first frost, dry them off, and store in a cool, frost-free place until spring.

Begonia 'Bouton de Rose' (Double) produces rose-like double blooms with pink-red edging that sit above glossy green foliage, bringing instant theatre to shaded patios, doorstep pots and hanging baskets. The blooms are richly textured and long-lasting, making this a go-to choice for summer colour where sun-loving plants struggle.

Tuberous begonias develop compact, bushy growth with plenty of flowers from early summer through to the first frosts. They’re particularly effective in containers, where you can show off the blooms at eye level and keep growth even with regular watering and feeding.

Start tubers indoors in spring or plant outside once frosts have passed. Choose fertile, well-drained soil or a free-draining compost, and position in bright shade or partial shade away from hot afternoon sun and drying winds. Plant the tuber shallowly with the hollow side facing up.

Water carefully until growth is established, then keep the compost evenly moist but never waterlogged. Feed every two weeks during flowering for the best display, and remove spent blooms to encourage continuous performance. Provide shelter from heavy rain and strong winds to protect the flowers.

Perfect for shaded borders, patio displays and hanging baskets, begonias also add late-season impact when paired with ferns, heucheras and foliage plants. Lift and store tubers after the first frost in colder areas, ready to restart next spring.