About
Begonia 'Illumination Apricot' is a tuberhybrida variety characterized by its drooping stems that support elongated, oval leaves. During the summer months, it produces arching clusters of flat flowers, primarily featuring shades of yellow and orange, many of which are double.
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
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
- Plant type
- Houseplants, Bedding, Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Pendulous weeping
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, 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
- Start off indoors in spring in light, well-drained, neutral compost. Ideal for pots or hanging baskets. May be grown permanently under glass in bright light shaded from direct sun. Otherwise move outdoors into a sunny or semi-shaded position when all risk of frost is past. Dry off tubers in winter and store frost free. See Begonias: outdoors
- Pruning
- Deadhead to prolong flowering. Remove old stems and foliage as plant dies back for the winter
- Propagation
- Root basal or stem-tip softwood cuttings in spring or summer
- 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