Beguiling Begonias

There are many different types of Begonia, they can be evergreen or deciduous shrubs, and small tree-like plants, or perennials and annuals, grown for their colourful flowers and/or ornamental leaves.  The one shown in the picture is in the tuberous group, grown for their flowers, produced in summer.  Large-flowered double types are known as Begonia x tuberhybrida which form bushy plants suitable for containers and hanging baskets.  They like to grow in dappled shade in moist conditions and are frost-tender.  The tubers are dormant in winter and should be brought inside in much the same way as dahlias.  They can be propagated by seed in spring, or by stem or basal cuttings or division of tubers.  They bring colour to dark corners and are fairly easy, but can be subject to mildew.  I have not always successfully saved the tubers overwinter, it is a bit hit and miss, but for long-lasting colour in the garden, they can't be beaten.