Most people have seen begonias somewhere. Most begonias grown nowadays are either Cane Stem, Rhizomatous, Rex or bedding (semperflorens) begonias. The begonias which are grown for their big, colourful flowers are tuberous begonias. These are dormant over winter, when the tops dry off leaving only a potato like tuber under the surface of the pot or ground.
Two main types of tuberous begonia are grown. The more common type is the multiflora. Many people know these as "Non-stops". They are many branched and have double male flowers of about 2-4in or 5-10cm across, in all colours. These beautiful plants are popular in florists and nurseries.
The other main type of tuberous begonia is the large flowered tuberous begonia, sometimes known as show or exhibition begonias. Made popular by the Ballarat Begonia Festival in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia, these are renowned for their huge flowers, up to 9in or 25cm across!
In short, sheer power. The colours are truly rich and vivid - a really difficult thing to portray in pictures. Many people know about the older varieties which are mainly bright, striking reds, oranges and yellows. Modern hybrids are often more subtle in their colouring, but just as vivid. For a plant growing in a 20-25cm pot, the flowers are enormous, up to the size of a dinner plate. Finally, because the flowers open slowly and last a long time, they have a dreamlike, exotic quality.
The most widely known type is the Roseform or camellia flowered begonia. The large double flowers have rounded petals and a centre formed like a rosebud. They look more formal than other types. An example of Roseform is Yellow Rose.
Ruffled tuberous begonias have recently been developed. These have the tips of their petals serrated or scalloped or heavily waved. Some of these look like a giant carnation. The best ruffled varieties also have a rosebud centre. An example of Ruffle form is Madeline.
Finally, a word about picotees. The term picotee refers to the colour of the flower, not it's shape (like Roseform or Ruffled). Picotee flowers have a base colour of their petals which is white, cream, lemon, yellow or soft pink. The edges of the petals are in a stronger colour, such as rose, red or orange. The effect is breathtaking - delicate and intricate. An example of a Picotee is the classical beauty Nicole.
Tuberous Begonias were originally bred in Europe over about 120 years by British, French, German, Belgian breeders.
Tuberous Begonias have been bred in Australia for nearly 50 years by Ralph Willsmore, Master breeder of Australian Tuberous Begonias. They have been bred for our local conditions, warmer than Europe. These are easily some of our most superb varieties, which match or exceed the best international varieties in quality.
The only place in the world to see a full range of Australian bred Tuberous Begonias is at the Erica Begonia Festival, which is currently the largest display of Tuberous Begonias in the Southern Hemisphere. The Australian Begonia Company will have large flowered Tuberous Begonias on display and sale at MIFGS 2007, Stand B44.
Plants are available in full flower at some Begonia Festivals, such as Erica or Ballarat. The easiest way to buy Tuberous Begonias is by mail order during winter while the tubers are dormant.
Currently the only specialist grower in Australia selling by mail order is the Australian Begonia Company. Also we are the world's only commercial supplier of Australian bred Willsmore hybrids.