Sun Cities Santa Barbara Begonia Plant

The Begonia Boliviensis Santa Barbara is a captivating, trailing beauty that boasts large, conical pure-white blooms accented by a vivid yellow center. Each bell-shaped flower emerges from salmon-pink buds on soft pink stems, presenting a delightful contrast against its slender, dark green arrow-shaped leaves. The leaves themselves are elongated, sharply pointed, and come with a distinct serrated edge. Starting in early summer and persisting until the initial frosts of autumn, its continuous cascade of flowers makes it a showstopper. Given its trailing nature, the 'Santa Barbara' is particularly suited for container gardening, making it a prime choice for hanging baskets, window boxes, and patio pots where its blooms can elegantly spill over the edges. Beyond its visual appeal, this variety is also heat- and drought-tolerant, lending a tropical ambiance to any garden setting.

Planting Instructions:

• - Plant in late spring or early summer after the last frost date

Soil Preparation:

• - Ideal soil pH: 6.0-6.5

Watering Specifics:

• - Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged

Fertilizer Type:

• - Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season
• - Use a fertilizer high in phosphorus to encourage vibrant blooms

Pruning and Training:

• - Pinch back tips of young plants to encourage bushier growth

Additional Pest Management:

• - Monitor for powdery mildew and other fungal diseases in humid conditions

Blooming Indicators:

• - Blooms from summer to fall, adding continuous color to shaded areas

Light Requirements:

• - Thrives in partial to full shade
• - Avoid placing in full, direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorching

Temperature Tolerance:

• - Not frost-hardy; lift tubers in fall for overwintering in colder climates

Companion Plants for Tuberous Begonias:

• - Impatiens: Their shade-loving nature and bright blooms make them a perfect companion
• - Hostas: Their large, lush leaves provide a contrasting backdrop for the colorful flowers of Tuberous Begonias
• - Astilbes: Their feathery plumes add vertical interest and complement the round blooms of Tuberous Begonias
• - Coleus: The vibrant foliage of Coleus adds texture and color contrast in shaded areas