Several weeks ago I planted bulbs I received from my first order through Breck’s.
I was mainly looking for perennial flowers that would grow well in the shade, and did not have to be dug up in the fall to store over the winter and be replanted each year. I wanted something that would bloom in the spring and last until frost.
I chose Fiesta Begonias because Breck’s said, – “this colour-balanced mix has the rich reddish-brown foliage you crave for your garden. The stunning flowers come in vibrant shades of pink, white, red and yellow and bloom nonstop all season long. Currently only available from Breck’s, these incredible begonias will make a statement in your borders and containers.”
Zones: 3-10*
*Lift in fall if you live in Zones 3-6 (I live in zone 7 – :0)
Size: 4-5 cm tubers
Light: Part to Full Shade!
Height: 8-10″
Bloom Time: Summer to Frost
Deer Resistant
I love bright colors, and these simply lifted my spirits when I saw the picture in the catalog. I planted them, carefully following the directions, but it really wasn’t clear which way was ‘up’ on the bulbs.
After several weeks, I finally carefully dug one up to see if I had planted them upside-down. (I hadn’t, thank goodness!)
When I planted them, I used popsicle sticks as markers. Until a couple of days ago, I was seriously thinking I would have to paint the popsicles different colors because NONE of the bulbs was even sprouting…
This is the planter on the left side of our front porch.
And this is the planter on the right side of our front porch.
Though I’m still thinking I might have to paint the popsicle sticks in vibrant colors, there ARE signs that at least SOME of the begonias are actually sprouting! HOORAY!!!!!!!!!!!
Since I planted begonias in the planters along the whole north side of my home, I can’t tell you how thrilled – and relieved – I am that signs of life are finally showing.
I’ll keep you up on the progress of my ‘begonia planters’ throughout the season….
Are you making changes in your plants?
