Begonias do best in damp, shady conditions. They dislike a summer of soaring temperatures which burn and damage foliage and flowers.

This summer there were no extremely high temperatures as there were a few years ago. The showers of rain were enough to keep them sufficient in moisture and their foliage habit is such that it covers and protects the tuber and lower fleshy stems.

With no severe frosts to cut them down, displays were enjoyed well into the autumn and it was only rain later and the need for spring flowering plants to go in that meant begonias had to be removed.

Performing well this year were the new introductions named apricot shades and illumination apricot. Trialling both of these what a show they made. The pair are trailing varieties for hanging baskets and window boxes. Both are a mix in a subtle blend of fiery oranges to yellow and every shade in between.

Look out for these two for next season, you will not be disappointed with the results.

Illumination also comes in individual colours of salmon pink and white, the former having been introduced for the first time this year.

The non-stop varieties of begonias have become very popular. The plants are stocky at 6-10 inches in height and the same spread and with huge flowers. Along with begonia semperflorens (the small flowered, fibrons-rooted type), the non-stop varieties are the ones used extensively in council plantings in Wilton Lodge Park and throughout the town.

Trialling the new variety non-stop fire, this was a beauty, with its heads of hot orange centres and fiery red borders.
In national trials, begonias were the flowers voted the best by nurserymen and retailers.

The trailing variety Sherbet Bob Bon was 'number one', its two-tone yellow and pink blush flowers really appealing.

Million Kisses is a new semi-trailing type and the success of Elegance (soft pink shades and an unusual flower form), has led to two new colours, amour and allure.

More varieties of begonias to consider for the 2010 garden.