Way back when — before multiple ice storms, temperatures in the teens and record snowfall — I walked the garden and snapped a few photos. That was on December 6th, 2016, and I was particularly enamored with this vignette, Begonia 'Little Brother Montgomery' is the star — Hakonechloa and the foliage of Lobelia laxiflora play supporting roles. It's the Begonia that I'm concerned with. Many sellers list it as hardy to Zone 10, but I know a few people who say it's hardy to Zone 8. I guess I'm conducting a little hardiness test of my own. It's currently MIA, died back to the ground. Will it return? We shall see...
Weather Diary, February 7: Hi 39, Low 32/ Precip .25
(3.45" of rain in first 7 days of February - 3rd wettest start to the month on record)
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I'm in zone 9, and my Begonia 'Little Brother Montgomery' has been outside all water. Granted, temps "only" dropped to about 27, but it's still alive and kicking. It hasn't even lost its leaves. There's hope!
ReplyDeleteAh 27, so tropical!
DeleteIt is hard to believe that photo was taken in December! I hope the begonia survivies.
ReplyDeleteI was a little surprised when I saw the date. Things were so mild, until all of a sudden they weren't.
DeleteFingers crossed for its return! I had some begonias in pots that were supposed to be hardy, but I played it safe and brought them under cover. Be sure to let us know if it shows up again.
ReplyDeleteI will!
DeleteA magnificent begonia specimen. It looks especially good with more modest plants as backdrop. I'd have to patiently wait for an update.
ReplyDeleteIt was in a spot where the sun back-lit its leaves in the afternoon, so pretty!
DeleteNothing worse than a winter where you are waiting for spring as a way to count the damage. Ugh! I do know the Hakonechloa will come through all of this with flying colors.
ReplyDeleteOh ya, that Hakonechloa is tough! Hmm, guess I'd better think about cutting it back soon though.
DeleteOooh! Beautiful Begonia.
ReplyDeleteIt was a score from Evan at a plant swap. I love it!
DeleteWell, I hope yours returns, but I didn't take any chances with the one Evan gave me at the Fall Plant Exchange. Mine has been keeping itself warm in the greenhouse. That is a nice foliage vignette.
ReplyDeleteSmart!
DeleteIt's so pretty - or I guess I should say handsome. I hope it comes back when warm temperatures return. I love the begonias with fancy foliage but haven't tried growing any since the drought became a problem. After all the rain here, maybe it's time to invest in one.
ReplyDeleteDo it! I remember seeing several beauties during the 2013 GB Fling in SF.
DeleteThat is a lovely vignette. I hope it comes back in spring. I've never been brave enough to plant mine out. I have an extra next to the parent in the greenhouse. I'll hang on to it for you until you've determined whether yours survived or not. It might take a while to wake up in spring.
ReplyDeleteYou are very generous, deal!
DeleteWhat a stunning combination--for color, shape, structure, and patterns! I hope the Begonia will come back for you! You've had a tough winter; I hope you'll have a fabulous, warm spring!
ReplyDeleteThanks PP, me too! Shockingly it's supposed to be 58 today, our warmest day since November. Now if it just would stop raining I'd get out there and get some work done.
DeleteI hope this isn't the winter that makes you give up your zone denial. That's a beauty of a begonia that I'm thinking you'll make an effort to try again if it didn't make it.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I'll ever give up my Zonal Denial! The winters that take it easy on us are just too tempting.
DeleteGlad you captured that dynamite combo with your camera...just in case.
ReplyDeleteWe'll always have our photos.
DeleteThat begonia has amazing foliage. Here's to hope!
ReplyDeleteWe all need hope. It might just get us through the next 4 years.
DeleteSure hope that gorgeous begonia survives for you. The hardy ones are usually very late to emerge in my garden, like the end of june or mid July.
ReplyDeleteGood to know. I won't disturb that area.
DeleteSuch a beautiful leaf. I hope it returns for more pretty pictures. I think zones are changing as we speak. Today we were zone 10 tomorrow back to zone 8 but really I think I am in zone 7.
ReplyDeleteI get people telling me all the time "hey with Global Warming you should be a zone 9 soon"...no. That's not the way it works, and it's Climate Change! Silly people...
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