If you’re searching for a plant that brings warmth and elegance to shady corners of your garden, look no further than Begonia x tuberhybrida ‘Apricot Shades Improved’ F1 Hybrid from Thompson & Morgan. This award-worthy tuberous begonia is a game-changer for UK gardeners, combining vibrant colour, robust growth, and fuss-free care. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your garden this season.
Key Features
1. Mesmerizing Apricot Blooms
The ‘Apricot Shades Improved’ lives up to its name with cascades of soft apricot-orange flowers that glow in partial shade. Each semi-double bloom (up to 10cm wide) boasts a delicate gradient, ranging from pale peach to rich coral, creating a romantic, sunset-like effect. Perfect for brightening up north-facing patios, hanging baskets, or woodland gardens.
2. Improved Vigor and Flower Power
As an F1 hybrid, this begonia offers superior performance compared to older varieties. Thompson & Morgan’s improved strain promises:
- Longer flowering period: Blooms from June to first frosts.
- Disease resistance: Stronger tolerance to powdery mildew and botrytis.
- Heat and rain resilience: Holds up well in unpredictable UK summers.
3. Compact, Trailing Habit
With a 30-40cm height and 45cm spread, this begonia is ideal for containers, window boxes, or cascading over walls. Its self-cleaning foliage means no deadheading required—just sit back and enjoy the display.
4. Shade Tolerance
Unlike sun-hungry annuals, this begonia thrives in partial to full shade, making it a rare gem for dim corners. Pair it with ferns or hostas for a lush, textured display.
Why UK Gardeners Love It
- Low maintenance: Minimal watering needs once established (great for busy gardeners).
- Versatile: Equally stunning in pots, hanging baskets, or borders.
- Wildlife-friendly: While not a pollinator magnet, its bright blooms add aesthetic value to eco-conscious gardens.
Growing Tips for Success
- Planting: Start tubers indoors in March/April. Place hollow-side up in moist compost and keep at 18–21°C.
- Hardening off: Acclimate plants to outdoor conditions in May after frost risk passes.
- Feeding: Use a high-potassium fertilizer (e.g., tomato feed) every 2 weeks for bumper blooms.
- Overwintering: Lift tubers after first frost, dry, and store in a frost-free place.
Pros vs. Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stunning, long-lasting blooms | Tubers are pricier than seed-grown varieties |
| Thrives in shade | Not edible (toxic to pets) |
| Low maintenance | Requires frost protection |
Final Verdict
Thompson & Morgan’s Begonia ‘Apricot Shades Improved’ F1 Hybrid is a must-have for gardeners craving colour in shady spaces. Its reliability, improved disease resistance, and jaw-dropping apricot blooms make it a standout choice for UK patios, balconies, and borders. While the initial investment in tubers is higher than traditional bedding plants, the months of non-stop flowers justify the cost.
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Where to Buy
Ready to transform your shady spots? Purchase Begonia ‘Apricot Shades Improved’ F1 Hybrid directly from Thompson & Morgan’s website (affiliate link optional).
You can also read more about Begonias here.
