Begonia Ambassador Red

Begoniax semperiflorens

Characteristics

Culture

Begonia Ambassador Red is best grown in rich, organic, well-drained soils in dappled sun or bright shade. Avoid full sun or full shade. Best in cool summers. Dislikes high heat and humidity. Keep soils consistently moist through regular watering, but avoid over watering. Protect Begonia Ambassador Red from strong winds, but provide good air circulation. Regular fertilization during the growing period produces most profuse bloom.  Container plants may be brought indoors in fall and grown as winter house plants.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Begonia is a genus of about 1,300 species of annuals, perennials, shrubs and climbers. Most have fleshy stems. They are grown for their showy flower or colorful leaves; some for both.  The Ambassador Red is a rich green-leaf begonia series featuring large flowers on compact 12-inch plants. It offers the perfect balance of garden uniformity, early blooms and vigor in the garden. This red begonia produces waxy green foliage with yellow stamens in the center of the scarlet colored blossoms. This series is very good for extensive plantings in outdoor beds and includes the best Red on the market.

Problems

Watch for mealybugs, aphids, whiteflies, slugs and snails. Susceptible to powdery mildew, botrytis, and stem rot, especially in humid conditions with poor air circulation. Tubers may rot if soils kept too moist.

Garden Uses

Suitable for use in hanging baskets, containers, or window boxes. Popular bedding annual for borders and edging. Can be grown as a house plant.