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. Click here for in-depth culture guide.
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.”
AAS Winners
Jeni Cullen, Eden Park, Cincinnati, OH –
Viking XL is a very easy and beautiful begonia to grow. It doesn’t seem fussy about where it’s planted, doesn’t require much care beyond watering, and makes a bold statement in the garden.
Hannah Sadosky –
This is one of my new favorites in the garden. If you like Dragon Wing Begonia, add this to your lineup.
The contrast of foliage to flowers is striking.