Even though we've had what is certainly a mild winter, it's still too cold and too early for anything to be blooming outdoors in the garden. I'm hoping snowdrops will appear in time for GBBD next month. In the meantime, we've been getting a floral boost with a trio of Rex Begonias that were growing in pots on the deck last summer. I brought them all indoors, repotted them and they are suddenly puting on a growth spurt with the lengthening days. No flowers but the leaves are so ornamental that blossoms aren't really required. Alas the plant tags are long gone so I don't know the exact cultivar names.
To see what's blooming in other gardens in other climates, visit Carol at May Dreams Gardens who hosts this monthly meme.
You amaze me with your creativity in expanding "bloom." Also, those Rex begonias one of my favorite plants.
Posted by: Julie Siegel | Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 12:32 PM
One of my favorite flowers. I don't overwinter them well though. You would think they would do ok here with our low light conditions but I think I forget to water them regularly. Everything takes a beating inside during winter. Low light indifferent caretaker. Happy GBBD.
Posted by: Lisa at Greenbow | Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 01:20 PM
Julie — You know I don't do houseplants usually. So this is something new. And what else is one going to consider for GBBD in Wisconsin in Feb. Mild winter still doesn't translate into outdoor blooms yet.
Lisa — You're right about the water. They seem to like a lot!
Posted by: LINDA from EACH LITTLE WORLD | Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 01:52 PM
Linda,
Congrats to you for still having healthy rex begonias inside. I am terrible to my house plants, but I am trying to do better this year.
I also enjoyed your review below of the new Sissinghurst book. I was wondering if it as worth a read and I see that it is! Thanks.
Julie
Posted by: Wife, Mother, Gardener | Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 03:23 PM
I love begonias, they seem to do ok in our dining room.
I love the colours.
xxx
Posted by: lyn | Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 03:56 PM
I love Rex begonias, can't keep them alive but I do enjoy their variegated good looks. I would gladly go back to Zone6 if it meant that we had fixed our environment and its effect on climate. gail
Posted by: Gail | Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 06:11 PM
It's lovely to see leaves as showy as flowers, very cheerful during these late winter days.
Posted by: Altoon | Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 08:37 PM
Such lovely foliage on these begonias, especially since I'm partial to pink. A great way to get us Northeners through the winter.
Posted by: Rose | Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 08:55 AM
They have always reminded me of caladiums.
Posted by: Les | Sunday, February 19, 2012 at 05:28 PM