Bonfire begonia

Sun

Morning sun and afternoon shade, or bright filtered light. It tolerates more sun in cool climates; protect it from strong afternoon sun in hot regions.

Water

Keep evenly moist during active growth, allowing the surface to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid waterlogged compost and reduce watering as growth dies back.

Soil

Loose, fertile, well-drained soil or container compost; slightly acidic to neutral is suitable.

Height

1-2 ft (0.3-0.6 m)

Spread

1-2 ft (0.3-0.6 m)

Flowers

Late spring or early summer until autumn frost; narrow, pendulous orange-red flowers.

Foliage

Narrow, pointed green leaves with toothed edges, often flushed or edged reddish bronze.

Growth

Fast during warm weather

Care needed

Medium

• Deer resistant
• Low allergen

Northern hemisphere months. In Australia, shift them by six.

Difficulty

Moderate

Toughness

Needs looking after

Pick your zone, country, light and whether you have pets.

1. Planting day

   1 ft (0.3 m)

2. After 1 year

   1.2 ft (0.38 m)

3. After 2 years

   1.5 ft (0.45 m)

   full size

About 2 years to full size.

From a typical nursery size, at an average rate for this kind of plant. A rule of thumb, not a forecast.

Cats and dogs

Toxic

Growth rate

Fast

• Plant outside only after frost risk has passed and nights have warmed.
• Use a container with drainage holes and shelter it from strong winds that can snap the stems.
• Water at compost level when the surface begins to dry; never leave the pot standing in water.
• Feed every two weeks during active growth with a balanced liquid fertiliser at the label rate.
• Before frost, move plants under cover; let dormant tubers dry and store them frost-free at about 41-50°F (5-10°C).

Pruning. Pinch young shoot tips if needed to encourage branching, and remove damaged stems during the growing season. Once the foliage has yellowed and died back in autumn, cut off the dead stems before storing the tuber.

Early spring

Start stored tubers in fresh, barely moist compost in a bright, frost-free place.

Late spring

Gradually acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions, then plant out after frost risk has passed.

Summer

Check baskets frequently for drying, water as needed and feed every two weeks.

Late summer

Remove damaged growth and check leaf undersides for mites and other pests.

Autumn

Move plants under cover before frost and reduce watering as the foliage yellows.

Winter

Keep dormant tubers dry, cool and frost-free; inspect occasionally and discard any that become soft or rotten.

• Plant in hanging baskets where the arching stems and dangling flowers can be seen from below.
• Use in raised pots beside steps or seating areas for a long season of warm colour.
• Combine with coleus and sweet potato vine in sheltered, partly shaded containers.
• Repeat containers along a bright, sheltered courtyard edge to link separate planting areas.

Garden styles it suits: Modern courtyard, Tropical, Cottage garden, Hot border, Urban city garden and Small-space.

Plant it with: Coleus, Sweet potato vine, Torenia, Impatiens and Japanese forest grass.

Wildlife: Not a dependable nectar or pollen plant for wildlife; use other flowering plants nearby if supporting pollinators is a priority.

• Tuber or stem rot: avoid saturated compost, improve drainage and discard soft, rotting tubers.
• Powdery mildew: improve air circulation, avoid crowding and remove badly affected leaves.
• Spider mites: check for fine webbing and stippled leaves in hot, dry conditions; rinse foliage and use a labelled insecticidal soap if needed.
• Leaf scorch or flower drop: move plants out of harsh afternoon sun and prevent repeated drying out.

Toxic to cats, dogs and horses if eaten, with the highest concentration of soluble oxalates in the tubers and other underground parts. Ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting and potentially serious poisoning. It is not an edible begonia; people should not eat any part, especially the tubers, which can cause irritation and illness.

• Bolivian begonia (Begonia boliviensis)

  The species has similar narrow leaves and hanging red-orange flowers. 'Bonfire' is a selected cultivar, and appearance alone may not reliably distinguish it from other selections; check the plant label.

• Tuberous garden begonia (Begonia × tuberhybrida)

  Most familiar forms have broader leaves and larger, fuller flowers, often double, rather than Bonfire's narrow, dangling blooms.

• Fuchsia (Fuchsia)

  Fuchsia flowers usually have a distinct tube, spreading sepals and conspicuous projecting stamens; Bonfire has recognisably begonia-like, asymmetrical leaves and orange-red hanging flowers.

Begonia honours Michel Bégon, a French administrator and patron of botany, while 'Bonfire' refers to the fiery colour of the flowers.

Propagation. Take non-flowering stem cuttings in spring or early summer and root them in a warm, bright place out of direct sun. Saving dormant tubers is the simplest way to keep the same plant; seed will not reliably reproduce 'Bonfire'.

Accepted botanical name

Begonia

Sources: GBIF (CC BY 4.0). The care and design notes are LandscapeGPT's own.