About

Begonia 'Fortune Scarlet Red' (Fortune Series) (T) is a compact, tuberous perennial that develops a dense mound of mid- to dark green leaves, reaching heights of up to 30 cm. From summer through autumn, it produces clusters of bright red, double blooms.

About the genus

Begonias can be found as annuals, evergreen or deciduous perennials, or shrubs. They possess fibrous, tuberous, or rhizomatous root systems. The leaves are typically asymmetrical and frequently feature distinctive patterns. Flowers can vary in size and include both male and female forms within the same cluster.

Growing conditions

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

South-facing, East-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H2

Plant details

Plant type

Bedding

Habit

Bushy

Foliage

Deciduous

Height

0.5-1 metres

Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Time to full height

1-2 years

Suggested uses

City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants

Toxicity

Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers

Care notes

Cultivation

Plant tubers indoors in spring in light, well-drained, neutral compost. Plants may be grown permanently under glass in bright light shaded from direct sun. Otherwise plant out in moist, well-drained, fertile soil in sun or semi-shade when all risk of frost is past. Dry off tubers in winter and store frost-free. For further information see Begonias: outdoors

Pruning

Deadhead to prolong flowering

Propagation

Propagate by basal cuttings or stem cuttings from side shoots

Pest resistance

May be susceptible to caterpillars, mealy bugs, mites, glasshouse thrips, vine weevil and aphids

Disease resistance

May be susceptible to grey moulds, powdery mildews, stem rot and rhizome rot