Begonia boliviensis ‘San Francisco’

Begonia boliviensis ‘San Francisco’ is a real summer showpiece, loved for its cascading habit and masses of vibrant, lantern-like flowers that keep coming for months. The blooms hang in clusters and create a waterfall of colour, making it perfect for hanging baskets, window boxes and container displays where it can spill beautifully over the edges. It’s a fantastic choice if you want high impact with minimal effort—just give it warmth, light and regular watering, and it will reward you with a non-stop display right through summer and into early autumn.

This begonia is also great for mixing with trailing foliage plants or contrasting colours in baskets, and it’s a brilliant way to brighten patios, porches and entranceways on the Avon Bulbs & Plants website.

Planting Instructions

When to Plant:

Plant begonia tubers in spring. You can start them off indoors from March for earlier flowers, then move outside after the risk of frost has passed (usually late May/early June in the UK).

Where to Plant:
Choose a bright, sheltered position in partial shade or gentle morning sun. Begonias prefer protection from strong midday sun and wind. Ideal for hanging baskets, window boxes and patio containers using a free-draining compost.

How to Plant:

• Depth: Plant tubers with the hollow side facing up, covered with about 2–3 cm of compost.
• Spacing: Space tubers 20–25 cm apart in borders, or allow room in containers so plants can fill out.
• Soil/Compost: Use a good quality, free-draining compost. In beds, improve soil with compost and ensure good drainage.

Watering:
Water lightly after planting and keep just moist while shoots appear. Once growing strongly, water regularly, letting excess drain away. Avoid waterlogging the tuber.

Aftercare Tips:

• Feed every 1–2 weeks in summer with a high-potash feed to encourage flowering.
• Pinch out growing tips early on for bushier plants (optional).
• Remove faded flowers to keep the plant tidy and flowering freely.
• Before the first frosts, lift and store tubers dry and frost-free for next year.

Top Tip:
For the best display, start tubers off indoors in spring and plant out once nights are reliably mild. Begonias love warmth—they’re happiest when summer really gets going!

Plant Details

Flowering Period:

June - October (until first frosts)

Height/Spread:
Trailing habit, approx. 12–18" (30–45cm) trail (varies with growing conditions)

Position:
Bright shade / partial shade

Tender Perennial (grown as a summer bedding plant)