FOLLOWERS of this column will recall the recent praising of begonias, well one that should also have been mentioned was the variety named aromatics, this being the world's first scented begonia, first available in 2006.
Once again Thompson & Morgan has responded with yet another fantastic new plant. Inspired by the beautifully perfumed aromatics, the Ipswich breeder has now gone one step further and improved on this already amazing plant.
With larger and even mor
e colourful blooms than its predecessor, this new begonia has the much sought after habit of cascading tuberous varieties and attractive foliage too. With an addictive range of scents, from fresh lemon and soft rose to cinnamon and spices, this new begonia is particularly perfumed early in the morning or once the sun begins to set.
The firm has worked closely with Arnold Van Petegham, the world's top begonia breeder, to develop this new strain. He said: 'Unlike most hanging types, these tubers will produce strong, cascading branches, each heavy with large, fully double, rosette-type flowers in varying pastel colours of rose, lemon and orange, usually with a corresponding fragrance."
T & M claims that begonias are becoming the UK's most reliable basket and container plant, thanks to their ability to withstand whatever the UK weather throws at them – hot, dry, wet or cold. You name it, they flower on and on.
Given the label 'Cascading Fragrant' but as yet officially unnamed, it is expected to quickly become just as popular as aromatics, which is one of Thompson & Morgan's top sellers. It is only available to order as young plants.
Begonia aromatics was introduced exclusively by T & M and has gone on to become known world-wide and has set the standard in this new concept of scented begonias.
It is a direct descendent of botanical varieties found along the tri-border area in the heart of the Andes mountains.
Also new for the 2010 season from the firm is seed of the bright orange flowered Begonia Boliviensis. Growing begonias from seed is really for the keenest of gardeners, it being difficult unless one has adequate means of germination.
This has an entirely different form to normal begonias, having bell-shaped flowers and long narrow foliage.
