Begonia 'Switzerland' (T)

RHS Plant Profile
begonia 'Switzerland'
Bedding

An upright bushy perennial to height of 30cm with almost black glossy foliage and scarlet flowers from summer and autumn

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Sand, Loam

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Sand Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Begoniaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
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
Genus
Begonia can be annuals, evergreen or deciduous perennials or shrubs, with fibrous, tuberous or rhizomatous roots and usually asymmetrical leaves, often strikingly patterned, and small or large flowers, both male and female in the same cluster
Name Status
Accepted
Horticultural Group
Tuberhybrida begonias are bushy tuberous perennials with glossy leaves and usually double flowers in small clusters in summer; most are dormant in winter

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in containers of peat-free multipurpose compost. Plant in borders, in neutral to acidic soil that has been enriched with organic matter. Prefers part shade, or bright shade. Overwinter in frost-free conditions. See Begonias: outdoors for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed in early spring in 21°C or propagate by softwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Sub-tropical
  • Bedding
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders
  • Garden edging

Pruning

Cut back after flowering and store the tubers

Pests

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

Diseases

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