Fact Sheet

We all know that plants are dynamic, living things, and because we understand so much about our own plants (we carry out trials around the world) we appreciate the subtle differences regarding their growth and habit.

Which is why it’s worthwhile visiting the section of our site which gives you local information – which plants are available; when it’s best to plant, prune and feed them; tips and so on. It’s all here to help you enjoy them more.

New for 2008: Begonia Bellfire™ from Anthony Tesselaar Plants has a profusion of coral pink, pendant bell-shaped flowers, spring through autumn. Its deep plum foliage is rimmed by serrated edges highlighted by a purple margin. Unlike other tuberous begonias, Bellfire and its orange-flowered sister Begonia Bonfire thrive in full sun and summer heat. Gaining good size fast, they “grow like a plant on fire!” Plant in full sun to partial shade. As was Bonfire, Bellfire was hybridized from the seeds of Begonia boliviensis plants discovered in the cloud-shrouded mountain forests of South America by a team of plant hunters from New Zealand. Bellfire is a hardy perennial in warm weather zones, USDA 9 to11, but its rapid growth makes it an outstanding annual in all parts of the country.

Introduction

Chosen as part of the same breeding and selection process carried out by the New Zealand Crop & Food Institute that yielded the Begonia BONFIRE®, Begonia BELLFIRE™ is the first of many outstanding additions to this highly successful program. This Begonia has a profusion of coral pink, bell shaped flowers in Spring, Summer and Fall. They can cover up to half the plant. Begonia BELLFIRE™ has deep plum foliage with serrated edges highlighted by a purple margin, and a slightly more upright bushy growth habit than Begonia BONFIRE®. It is a low maintenance, easy care plant that can be grown in full sun to partial shade. There is absolutely no doubt that this one is a winner!

Suggested Uses

Indoor or patio pots and hanging baskets as well as garden landscapes.

Growth Habit

Bushy upright profile as a garden plant.

Mature Height

Garden height up to 40 inches.

Mature Width

Garden width up to 30 inches.

Spacing

20 inches apart

Hardiness

Tolerates mild frost.

Flowering Period

Flowers from Spring through Fall, until frost.

Number Of Flowers

Up to 50% of the bush can be covered.

Flower Color

Coral pink

Fragrance

No fragrance.

Foliage

Deep plum colored leaves characterized by serrated edges highlighted by a purple margin.

Pruning/Pinching

Branches naturally, but will benefit from a pinching to induce side branches and more compact growth.

Light Needs

Grows in full sun to partial shade - in heavy shade may spread producing lower growth, and less large flowers.

Soil Needs

Performs best in a well drained friable soil or good quality potting mix, avoid poorly drained soils.

Water Needs

Is drought tolerant once established, but for best results keep slightly moist Spring through Fall.

Fertilizer

Fertilize with a flower booster controlled release fertilizer in spring.

Disease Tolerance

If grown in heavy wet soils or over watered, stems can rot from fungal diseases.

Pest Issues

Generally not damaged by pests, though White fly may cause some damage.

Special Care

No special care.