Begonia 'Blitz' — Bushy

Overview

Begonia 'Blitz' is a bushy conservatory greenhouse in the genus Begonia, part of the Begoniaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Begonia 'Blitz' grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1c. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, patio and container plants, cottage and informal garden and flower borders and beds.

About

Begonia 'Blitz' is a conservatory and houseplant cultivar of Begonia with a well‑branched, rounded habit and deciduous foliage. It prefers partial shade in sheltered positions and suits north, east or west aspects. Plant in neutral loam that is kept moist but well drained and protect from frost. In the UK it flowers from June to October when grown under cover or in a protected container.

About the genus

Begonia is a genus of perennial flowering plants in the family Begoniaceae. The genus contains more than 2,000 different plant species, distributed primarily across tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Central and South America, with Africa considered the center of origin. Some species are commonly grown indoors as ornamental houseplants in cooler climates, or cultivated outside in summertime for their bright colorful flowers, which have petals but no sepals.

Wikipedia contributors, "Begonia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Begonia

In the garden

Begonia 'Blitz' sits within the large Begonia genus, a group of more than 2,000 perennial species native to tropical and subtropical areas of Africa, Asia and the Americas. As a named cultivar intended for conservatory and indoor use, 'Blitz' is selected for a compact, well‑branched form that works in containers and sheltered garden sites rather than exposed borders. Position it in partial shade and out of strong sun; north, east or west aspects are suitable. Use a loam-based soil at neutral pH that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged, and provide a sheltered spot to protect stems and leaves. The plant is tender (H1c) in UK terms, so keep it frost-free by keeping it in a greenhouse, conservatory or bringing container specimens indoors for winter. Flowers appear in the UK from June to October when cultural needs are met, making the cultivar useful for courtyard pots, patios and informal beds where sheltered conditions can be maintained. Because the foliage is deciduous and will be lost if chilled, overwinter under cover to preserve the plant’s rounded habit and carry it through to the next summer flowering season.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Begonia

Sunlight: Partial shade
Soil type: Loam
Soil pH: Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H1c

Plant details

Begonia 'Blitz' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
Habit: Bushy
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Begonia 'Blitz'

Propagation: Seed, stem, tip or leaf cuttings
Pest resistance: Caterpillars, mealy bugs, mites, glasshouse thrips, vine weevil, aphids
Disease resistance: Grey moulds, powdery mildews, stem rot, rhizome rot