Begonia 'Marmorata'

Begonia 'Marmorata': The Exquisite Painted Lady of the Shady Garden

Begonia 'Marmorata' is a sophisticated and artistically patterned masterpiece, world-renowned for its large, ruffled blooms that mimic the look of fine Italian marble. Each flower features creamy-white or pale-blush petals that are intricately etched and "marbled" with vibrant vermillion-red edges and delicate veins. This dramatic bicolour effect creates a sense of movement and depth, making the blooms appear as though they have been individually hand-painted. Set against a backdrop of lush, serrated green foliage, 'Marmorata' is the ultimate choice for adding high-end designer flair to those tricky shaded spots, bringing extraordinary luminosity and elegance to patio containers, window boxes, and hanging baskets.

• Breathtaking Marbled Effect: The standout feature is the "Picotee" style edging, where the fiery red bleed into the cool white centers. No two flowers are identical, offering a unique, artisanal look to your display.
• Large, Double-Flowering Form: These begonias produce heavy, rose-like double blooms that are densely packed with petals, providing a much fuller and more luxurious appearance than standard varieties.
• The Shade Superstar: Unlike many flowering plants that crave scorching sun, 'Marmorata' thrives in partial to full shade. It is the perfect solution for brightening up north-facing porches or the dappled light beneath garden trees.
• Relentless Summer Colour: This variety is a non-stop performer. From the moment it starts blooming in early summer, it will continue to produce fresh marbled heads right through until the first frosts of autumn.

Gardener's Tip: "The Drainage Secret"

Begonias like 'Marmorata' are incredibly rewarding but have one specific "must-have": excellent drainage. Their stems are succulent and store water, meaning they hate sitting in soggy soil. When planting in pots, mix in a little perlite or grit with your compost. To prevent "neck rot," plant the tuber in a slight hollow so water runs away from the center of the bulb rather than pooling in the middle. Feed every two weeks with a high-potash fertilizer to keep those complex red-and-white patterns vibrant all season long!

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