REAL WORLD GARDENER Wed. 5pm 2RRR 88.5fm Sydney, streaming live at www.2rrr.org.au and Across Australia on the Community Radio Network. www.realworldgardener.com<?xml:namespace prefix = "o" />
REALWORLD GARDENER NOW ON FACEBOOK
Real World Gardener is funded by the Community Broadcasting Foundation (CBF).
The complete CRN edition of RWG is available on http://www.cpod.org.au/ , just click on 2RRR to find this week’s edition. The new theme is sung by Harry Hughes from his album Songs of the Garden. You can hear samples of the album from the website www.songsofthegarden.com
PLANT OF THE WEEK
with owner The Green Gallery Nursery Jeremy Critchley and Karen Smith from www.hortjournal.com.au
![]() |
photo Jeremy Critchley-The Green Gallery Nursery |
You probably like rose and camellia flowers, but what about a plant which has flowers that look like both of these plants?
Rose form or camellia flowered begonia.
The large double flowers have rounded petals and a rosebud- like centre giving them a more formal look.
These plants can also have ruffled flowers tuberous that have serrated, scalloped or heavily-waved petals.
Some of these look like large carnations and some also have a rosebud centre.
Tuberous Begonias are a cool climate plant, not sub-tropical.
People grow them well in Sydney, Perth and south of these areas.
Most begonias prefer warm, moist conditions. The ideal temperature range is 150 to 260 Celsius though most will tolerate range is 150 to 26 0C and some will tolerate temperatures as high as 400C and as low as 50C - some even lower.
All begonias prefer well drained soil rich in compost or organic matter and some like some degree of shade
![]() |
Tuberous Begonias photo J Critchley The Green Gallery Nursery |
If you’re unsure, it is best to try cheaper bedding begonias first, then progress to more showy large flowered plants.
Choose a place where plants like ferns, fuchsias, hostas or cymbidiums grow.
Give them good light, but not direct sun (shade cloth ideal).
Not too much wind.
Not indoors – Tuberous Begonias need cool nights.
Their active growth stage is between October and May.
When the Begonia is dormant in winter, it’s best to lay the pot on its side to keep the pot dry.