FlowerBegonia
Bi-color Picotee Mixture Begonia
Bi-color Picotee Mixture Begonias are tuberous hybrids that deliver the drama of two-toned flowers in a single, compact plant. These non-GMO tubers produce blooms with contrasting colored edges (the picotee pattern) on petals, reaching 4 to 10 inches tall and flowering reliably within 100 to 109 days. Hardy from zones 3 through 10, they thrive in partial shade and behave as annuals in cooler regions (zones 3, 7) while returning reliably as perennials in warmer climates (zones 8, 10). Deer find them unappetizing, making them a practical choice for gardens where browsing is a concern.
Photo © True Leaf Market
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
3-10
Sunlight
Partial Shade
Soil
Rich, Well-drained, Fertile Loam; High Organic Matter
Growth Stats
10 in
Height
TypeBush
Spacing
10
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Partial Shade
Water
—
Zones
3-10
Size
10in H x ?in W
Growth
—
Care
Moderate
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Highlights
The distinctive picotee pattern, solid petals edged or banded in a contrasting color, sets these begonias apart from solid-flowered varieties and adds real visual depth to shaded borders or container displays. They're not fussy about conditions; partial shade is actually where they shine, producing more consistent blooms than they would in full sun. The tuber structure means reliable, vigorous growth year after year in warmer zones, or dependable annual performance in colder climates where you'll need to lift and store them over winter.
Common Uses
Bi-color Picotee Mixture Begonias are grown as ornamental flowering plants, primarily for shade gardens, containers, and mixed beds where their two-toned blooms add visual interest throughout the growing season. The compact bush habit and moderate height make them well-suited to borders, hanging baskets, and patio containers where their flowers can be appreciated up close.
Growing Timeline
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Care Instructions
Start Indoors
Start tubers indoors in late winter, typically 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost. Plant tubers about 1 inch deep in moist seed-starting mix, hollow side up, and maintain soil temperature around 70°F. Begonia tubers need consistent moisture and humidity to sprout; cover the container with plastic to retain moisture until growth appears, then remove the cover and provide bright, indirect light.
Transplant Outdoors
Harden off seedlings over 7 to 10 days by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions, then transplant after all danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed. Space plants 10 inches apart in partial shade with rich, well-draining soil.
Pruning
Pinch back growing tips on young plants to encourage branching and a fuller, bushier form that produces more flowers. Remove any dead or yellowing foliage throughout the growing season to maintain plant health and appearance.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Pests & Diseases
Ecology & Traits
Scientific Classification
Begonia × tuberhybrida
Family
Begoniaceae
Genus
Begonia
Growth Habit
Bush