PLANT OF THE WEEK: Bonfire Begonia

Bonfire begonias have attention-grabbing fiery red blooms. They are great in hanging baskets, growing beautifully in full sun or part shade.
We initially spotted Bonfire begonias at flower trial gardens a few years ago. They were introduced to the horticultural world by Anthony Tesselaar International, an Australian company that specializes in environmentally-friendly, disease-resistant plants.
Our grower, John Miller, grows the Bonfires in our greenhouses in Hydes, MD. Starting from a small plug, the begonias take about eight weeks to grow before they are ready to sell at Valley View Farms; but, believe me, this is only the beginning. These eye-catching plants continue to get bigger, blooming all summer and well into fall. They will grow in hanging baskets, window boxes, patio pots,and in the garden border. Like many begonias, the Bonfires will grow indoors as well, offering gardeners the option of over-wintering their plants.
Bonfire begonias are available in individually potted plants and in two styles of hanging baskets right now at Valley View Farms.