More than 2,000 visitors to RHS Garden Wisley voted in a poll to name their favourite begonia as part of the charity’s People’s Choice initiative. Visitors were invited to vote for their favourite in three categories: Begonia Semperflorens Cultorum Group planted in borders, Begonia x tuberhybrida planted in borders, and begonias planted in containers and hanging baskets; three clear winners emerged.
The winner of category one was Begonia ‘Volumia Rose Bicolour’. A more vigorous plant than traditional Semperflorens cultivars, Begonia ‘Volumia Rose Bicolour’ has large white and rose bicolour flowers that vary in colour intensity depending on the temperature.
Begonia ‘Heaven Red’ and Begonia Whopper Series with green leaf were placed in second and third positions.
In the second category (Begonia x tuberhybrida planted in a border), visitors voted Begonia ‘Nonstop Golden Orange’ as their favourite.
Begonia x tuberhybrida Nonstop Series was bred by legendary breeder Friedrich Benary. ‘Nonstop Golden Orange’ was first made available to the public in 1971 and, as its name implies, has an extended flowering period that runs from early spring to late autumn. Highly adaptable Nonstop Series is superb both in garden borders and patio containers. Begonia ‘Nonstop Yellow’ and Begonia ‘Nonstop Appleblossom’ were named second and third favourites in this category.
The winner of the third category (begonia in a patio container or hanging basket) was Begonia ‘Peardrop’, a lush rich salmon and golden orange flower bred by UK breeder Dennis Need.
Begonia ‘Peardrop’ flourishes in containers and baskets and produces a brilliant show of blooms for up to six months of the year.
Begonia ‘Angel Falls White Blush’ (Waterfalls Series) was named runner-up, while Begonia ‘Cottage Bright Red’ came in third.
Speaking about the People’s Choice initiative, RHS Trials Development Manager Mark Heath said: “It’s wonderful that so many people enjoyed the spectacular display of begonias at RHS Garden Wisley this summer and voted for their favourite.
“Begonias are wonderfully versatile plants that can sometimes get overlooked and may be under-appreciated. That’s why the RHS, breeders and growers wanted to celebrate their qualities and encourage visitors to take the time to marvel at these wonderful plants.”
Source: RHS – Wisley Visitors Vote on Their Favourite Begonia
