5 begonias you must grow
From begonia royalty: Benary
Begonias? They seem to be the Marmite of the plant world, but this week we’re gonna celebrate them, because I think they’re bloody excellent. Which other plant would bloom for five months of the year, grow in sun or shade, and motor through rain or shine? I’m waiting for you to name one…
I’ve been to visit the Kings of Begonia: Benary, a German company who created the pioneering Nonstop Series. Since then, they literally haven’t stopped exploring the family of Begonias, bringing us all different shapes and sizes, and with a few surprises... here’s my top 5 right now!!
Solenia® Series
Now, you might be used to seeing this one as a houseplant, where it pretty much blooms its heart out all year round, but did you know there’s a series that can also be grown outdoors, and will grow in sun, as well as shade, which is pretty unique for a begonia, I have to say. The Solenia Series is a huge favourite of mine, and I was very honoured to see some of these new colours coming through, which are superb, I have to say! Although it’s promoted as an outdoor plant, you could still have one of these on your windowsill, there’s no stopping you!
Buy them here.
‘Mega Cool’ Series
Now, your grandma probably grew some of these type of Begonia; they are from the semperflorens series - but the old-fashioned ones, they didn’t used to bloom very well, I found they were always a bit mushed up in the centre, forgive the terminology.
‘Mega Cool’ has HUGE flowers (you know I’m a size queen) which are always fully open and clear, and the foliage, that’s actually my favourite part, they look like giant water lily pads. Incredibly weather resistant - the whole thing!!
This is brand new for 2025, so expect to find it at a garden centre near you soon.
‘Nonstop® Mocca’ Series
Nonstop was developed as an all summer flowering variety, which was quite different to the other tuberous Begonias of the time. Created by Benary, it was incredibly pioneer, and the benchmark for many modern varieties. But, Benary even slayed themselves with the Mocca Series, all the beauty of the original series, but with dark black foliage. Ermagaaad I love it!!
Buy them here.
VIP subscribers can read on to discover a brand-new begonia that can double up as a houseplant, with giant disc-like black foliage, and a begonia that is simply called “funky”, and you’ll see why…