Begonias at Hidden Lake Gardens

Begonia masoniana  Iron Cross Begonia

 Two weeks ago, we went to Hidden Lake Gardens in Tipton, MI. We were there during their annual Spring show.  You can see those pictures here. In past visits I have taken pictures of the begonia collection. I decided to share those in this post. Many of the begonias have Logee's Greenhouse tags in them. Logee's is a mail order nursery in Danielson, Conn. with a large begonia collection and many of them are represented at Hidden Lake. Another great mail order place is Kartuz Greenhouse. For really great information on begonias, visit Brad's Begonia World page .

Iron cross begonia

The iron cross begonia is a rhizomatous begonia, meaning it grows from stems, (rhizomes) that creep along on the surface of the soil. This type is easily grown from these rhizomes. Cut pieces of them, lay them on the surface of a container of moist soil, pressing them down into the soil a bit so that they have good contact. I use florist pins to pin them down, to ensure they are in contact with the soil. Roots will grow from the stem pieces and send up new leaves from the top side. If your rhizomatous begonias start defoliating, they are either cold sensitive or staying too wet. Most begonias have very shallow root systems, thus needing only a shallow pot. I find that clay pots work well and look good with the begonia foliage.

Begonia 'Mike's Mauve'

'Mike's Mauve' is a rex begonia. These begonias have extremely colorful leaves. Some of the mini rexes need to be kept in a terrarium because their requirements for humidity are so high. All rexes appreciate high humidity, so keeping them on a tray of wet pebbles is a great idea. Do not keep the soil overly wet and good air circulation is essential, as well.

Begonia listada

Begonia listada  is a species begonia, meaning it hasn't gone through hybridization, but is in its natural state as it would be in the wild. It is native to the far south of Brazil. Lisatada is derived from Spanish and means "striped" obviously referring to its leaves.                                

Begonia listada leaf

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'Northern Lights' begonia

'Northern Lights' is a rhizomatous begonia and I have one of these at home growing in a large shallow clay pot.

Eyelash begonia- Begonia bowerae

The Begonia bowerae is a rhizomatous begonia. It is a Mexican species, also called eyelash begonia because of the white hairs on the edges of the leaves that look like eyelashes. This is a small begonia that is perfect for a terrarium. 





Begonia x erythrophylla or beefsteak begonia is a very old variety that almost everyone has seen. This is one of those "Oh, my grandma grew one of those" plants. It was hybridized in the mid 1800's and it is quite often passed down through families, not unlike the Christmas cactus.'Bunchii' below is a cultivar of erythrophylla.

Begonia x erythrophylla 'Bunchii'

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Begonia 'Palomar Prince'

Begonia 'Black Velvet'

Begonia schmidtiana - Schmidt begonia

The Begonia schmidtiana, from Brazil, is a very hairy species. This is the species that the semperflorens begonia came from. It needs a warm, bright position out of direct sunlight.

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Begonia ricinifolia 'Immense'

Begonia ricinifolia 'Immense' is a rhizomatous begonia and this one is, as it's name implies, immense! I also have one of these at home, as well, but it isn't immense as this one. The hairy stems add more interest to the plant. Notice them in the picture below.

Begonia 'Immense'

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Begonia 'Chessun'

Begonia 'Di-erna'

The begonia 'Di-erna' is a cane type begonia. It was about 4' tall and had these beautiful large cluster of pink flowers hanging off it. 

Begonia 'Holley Beauty'

Begonia 'Holley Beauty'

As you have seen, begonias are a very colorful and most are easy to grow. I would try a rhizomatous begonia first, as they seem to be the easiest to grow. But, let me warn you now, you won't be able to stop at just one. Soon you'll have a collection of begonias. They are a very diverse group of plants and the more, the better!

It's Spring Somewhere!

I know we've visited the Hidden Lake Garden conservatory before, but I thought we could all use a shot in the arm of color after this ridiculously looooong winter. Here in Michigan, we are ready for some green and warmth, but this is as close as we are getting right now. 

As we entered the show room yesterday, you can imagine from these pictures the aroma that met us. We were in heaven. I hope you enjoy the pictures and it adds a little joy and spring  to your day.

 

A cart full of amaryllis

Amaryllis 'Misty'

Amaryllis 'Prelude'

Amaryllis 'President Johnson'

Amaryllis 'Flemenco Queen '

Happy Spring!

A Hidden Jewel

Bougainvillea 'Orange Ice'

I know my husband loves me. Our Valentine's Day was a trip to Hidden Lake Gardens in Tipton, Michigan. He is a plant person, but definitely enjoys outdoor plants more. He doesn't understand why we go to see houseplants when we are surrounded at home. Whatever..... It was cold but we did see some plants outside, as well. We had the conservatory all to ourselves, and it was so nice and peaceful.
Hidden Lake Gardens was donated to Michigan State University, then college, by Harry A. Fee in 1945. At that time it was only 200 acres, but has grown to encompass 755 acres. The conservatory was added in 1968. Of course, this is my favorite part. The garden also includes a fabulous conifer, hosta, and bonsai collection. We go there a few times a year and there is always something different to see. 
There are 3 different areas of the conservatory; the Arid Dome, the Temperate House, and the Tropical Dome. 

The Arid Dome

My 6'5" husband by the Agave salmiana.

Bowiea volubilis or climbing onion

The Arid Dome was just recently renovated with help from the owners of the Root System Nursery, a specialty cactus and succulent nursery in nearby Jonesville. When they refurbished the Arid house they kept some of the larger plants, which were irreplaceable. The picture of the agave and opuntia above with my husband, shows how large the plants are-he is 6'5" tall. All the plants have labels with the botanical name and the common one if available.

Euphorbia millii hybrid or Crown of Thorns

Close-up of Echeveria 'Blue Waves'

Echeveria 'Bluewaves'

Crassula ovata or Jade plant in full bloom.

The Temperate House

2011 Spring display

The next area is the Temperate house and it contains begonias, orchids, camellias, bromeliads, and more. It is also the house where they host seasonal displays. It is cooler than the Tropical dome and less humid. There are a large amount of plants in bloom here and the cooler temperature helps the flowers last longer.

Streptosolen jamesonii or Marmalade Bush

Begonia

The begonias were in full bloom last week. The flowers are just a bonus to the fabulous foliage of begonias.

Begonia flowers

Begonia masoniana or Iron Cross Begonia

Pelargonium 'Mrs. Cox'

There were flowers on these geraniums, but who needs flowers when a plant has foliage like this!

Pelargonium 'Vancouver Centennial'

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Kohleria

 Kohlerias are gesneriads, cousins to African violets.

Camellia

 

As I have described in a previous post, there is a difference between the Thanksgiving and  Christmas cactus. This is a huge, old Christmas cactus blooming, with many more blooms to come. They bloom later than the Thanksgiving cactus, obviously even into February and from the amount of buds, even into March.  

  

The Tropical Dome

The view looking up to the top of the dome.

Philodendron leaf

 

The Tropical dome is very warm and humid. It has plants like cocoa, citrus, papaya, coffee, and vanilla.

Trevesia sundaica blossoms

Anthurium spathe and flower.

Papaya plant

We had a great day at Hidden Lake!  Find a conservatory near you, and take a day to visit. There is nothing like a warm, blossom filled conservatory to warm you up, and soothe the soul in the dead of winter.