Overview

Begonia (Cheimantha Group) 'Melior' (T) is a bushy conservatory greenhouse in the genus Begonia, part of the Begoniaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Begonia (Cheimantha Group) 'Melior' (T) 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 (Cheimantha Group) 'Melior' is a conservatory and houseplant begonia with a well-branched habit that produces flowers from June to October. Leaves are deciduous and the plant performs best in partial shade in a sheltered position. It prefers a neutral loam kept moist but free-draining and suits north, east or west-facing aspects. Rated H1c (tender), it is intended for frost-free glasshouses or indoor cultivation through the winter.

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 (Cheimantha Group) 'Melior' is a cultivated begonia suited to glasshouse or indoor culture where summer displays of flowers are wanted. As a member of the Cheimantha group it is treated as a conservatory plant and kept where temperatures remain above frost; foliage is deciduous and will die back if exposed to cold. Place 'Melior' where it will receive partial shade — bright, indirect light from north, east or west-facing windows or under diffuse glass is ideal. Use a loam-based compost with neutral pH and ensure the mix remains moist but well drained; water regularly through the growing season but avoid waterlogging. A sheltered position out of direct, hot sun reduces leaf scorch and helps sustain blooms from June to October. For containers, choose pots with good drainage and consider moving plants under cover as autumn temperatures fall: the H1c rating denotes a tender plant that should be kept frost-free, either indoors or in a heated/frost-free greenhouse. Suggested uses include courtyard and city gardens in pots, patio containers, informal borders and conservatory displays. Remove spent flower stems to keep the canopy open, and reduce watering as leaves die back to allow a seasonal rest before the next growth flush.

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 (Cheimantha Group) 'Melior' (T) 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 (Cheimantha Group) 'Melior' (T)

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

Frequently asked questions

More in the Begonia genus

• 
  Begonia 'Blitz'
• 
  Begonia 'Cascade Florence' (T/d)
• 
  Begonia 'Comtesse Louise Erdõdy' (R)
• 
  Begonia 'Otto Foster'
• 
  Begonia 'Phil Ormes'
• 
  Begonia 'Sparkle'
• 
  Begonia coccinea (C)angelwing begonia
• 
  Begonia cubensisCuban holly