Begonia Viking™ XL Red on Chocolate F1

2019 AAS Flower Winner

A brand new begonia with large, uniquely colored dark leaves has arrived! Judges were impressed with how the deep bronze/brown color remained sharp and intense throughout the season, no matter where they were located; north, south, east or west. The color tones shine through to give a stunning garden appearance. Covered with vibrant red flowers, the compact plant retains its shape well and does not become rangy. “Given the options, I would choose this variety for my landscape beds.” states a judge who plans beds for a public garden. “This year’s weather seemed unusually conducive to disease on large-leaf begonias but none of these plants were affected” states another judge. These extra-large (XL) mounded plants are perfect in both landscapes and containers.

Description

AAS WINNER DETAILS

Winner Type: National
Class: Begonia
Variety Name: Begonia Viking™ XL Red on Chocolate F1
Genus: Begonia
Species: x hybrid
Year: 2019
Common Name: Wax Begonia
Type: Flowers from Seed
Breeder: Sakata Seed Corporation
Close Market Comparison: Big Red Bronze Leaf, Big DeLuXXe Bronze Leaf Improved

PLANT NEEDS

Duration Type: Annual
Light Needs: Full sun, partial sun
Water Needs: Normal
Dead Heading Recommended: No
Staking Required: No

PLANT CHARACTERISTICS

Foliage Color: Deep bronze
Plant Habit: Mounded
Plant Height: 28-34 inches
Bloom Time: Late spring, summer to frost
Bloom Color: Red
Bloom Color Pattern: Solid
Bloom Size: 1 inch

IN THE GARDEN

Container: Yes
Pollinator Friendly: Yes
Weather Tolerance: Heat
Garden Spacing: 32-36 inches
Tall Background: No

HOW TO GROW

Transplant Begonias after all danger of freezing temperatures have passed and soil temperatures are above 65°F (19°C). Do not bury the crown of the plant into the soil, but keep the stems above the soil level. Plant in well-drained soil with adequate moisture. Water the new transplants every one to three days depending on rainfall. Plant in sun or partial shade. For extra protection of the root system and to preserve moisture, mulch with bark chips, straw or compost. Fertilize with a general all-purpose plant food every 1 – 2 weeks until rooted into the soil, then every 2 weeks.

JUDGE'S OBSERVATIONS

“The outstanding attribute of this variety was definitely the darker foliage.”
“WOW!!! The foliage on this entry was AMAZING!”
“Great color, no doubt that this is a bronze-leaf begonia!”
“At first I thought it was just another Begonia, but the more we got into the season the more I saw it had beautiful strong darker leaves from the other ones. Stands out well and has a good bloom.”
“Transplanted better and looked great in the garden all summer.”
“This entry had excellent season-long performance in the garden, looks fantastic even at the end of the year.”

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