Begonia Double 'Bouton de Rose'

Begonia Double 'Bouton de Rose': The Romantic Icon of the Shady Garden

Begonia Double 'Bouton de Rose' is an exquisite and nostalgic variety, celebrated for its remarkable bi-colour blooms that look like delicate porcelain roses. Each flower features pure white or soft cream petals with a vibrant, candy-pink trim along the ruffled edges, creating a "picotee" effect that is truly breathtaking. Unlike single-flowered varieties, 'Bouton de Rose' produces heavy, multi-layered blooms that nod elegantly against rich, serrated green foliage. This begonia is a masterpiece of delicate detail, perfect for adding a touch of sophisticated romance and vintage charm to containers, hanging baskets, or shaded garden beds where its intricate patterns can be admired up close.

• Classic Rose-Bud Form: As the name suggests, the blooms start as tight buds and unfurl into lush, rose-like flowers. The high petal count gives them a dense, luxurious texture that lasts for weeks.

• Stunning Picotee Edging: The contrast between the snowy-white centers and the glowing pink margins makes each flower stand out vividly, especially in the low-light conditions of a north-facing patio.

• Continuous Summer Performance: This variety is a tireless bloomer, providing a non-stop parade of elegant flowers from early summer right through until the first frosts of autumn.

• Perfect for Containers: Growing with a tidy, mounded habit, it is the ideal candidate for centerpiece pots or window boxes, where it creates a high-end, designer look with very little effort.

Gardener's Tip: "The Moisture Balance"

Begonias like 'Bouton de Rose' love consistent moisture, but they hate "wet feet." To keep the blooms coming and prevent the succulent stems from rotting, always water at the base of the plant rather than over the foliage or flowers. If growing in pots, ensure there are plenty of drainage holes. Adding a little perlite to your potting mix can help keep the soil airy and damp without becoming waterlogged, which is the secret to those massive, show-stopping rose-form blooms.

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