Begonia 'Solenia Dark Pink' is a compact, upright tuberous begonia with large, fully double rich dark pink flowers, bred to take full sun as well as partial shade.
'Solenia Dark Pink' carries an abundance of large, rose-like double flowers in a rich, deep pink. The plant is upright, compact and well-branched, growing to around 20 to 30cm tall and 20 to 30cm wide, with glossy green foliage that sets off the continuous flush of bloom from late spring right through to the first frosts. Unlike many tuberous begonias, the Solenia series has been bred for improved sun tolerance, so it does well in a sunny patio pot as well as a partly shaded bed, and the grower lists it as attracting bees and pollinators.
Plant it in well-drained, fertile compost enriched with organic matter and water regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged. A fortnightly liquid feed and removing spent flowers keep it blooming. It is half hardy, so plant out only when the frosts are over; in autumn lift the tubers and store them cool, dry and frost free, or simply replace the plant next year. Begonias are harmful if eaten.
Supplied as one established plant with a 17cm (2L) root ball, ready to plant out or pot on in spring or summer.
Cultural Information
Common Name: Tuberous begonia, Solenia begonia
Fully Grown Height and Spread: Approx. 20 to 30cm tall and 20 to 30cm wide
Growth Habit: Upright, compact, well-branched
Perfect For: Patio containers, planters, window boxes, hanging baskets, flower beds, borders
Foliage: Glossy, deep green
Flowering Time: Late spring to the first frosts
Planting Position: Full sun to partial shade; ideal in patio containers
Soil Type: Well-drained, fertile compost, kept evenly moist
Hardiness: Half hardy, not frost tolerant
Maintenance: Low; water regularly, feed fortnightly and deadhead
Seasonal Interest: Spring, summer and autumn
Type: Tender tuberous perennial grown as summer bedding
