Start a Bonfire

This is a 'Bonfire' begonia that wintered over inside from last season.

I was looking around for a cool hanging plant last spring at Hahn Nursery and Diana, who works there was almost fanatical about recommending the variety. After buying three plants and putting them in a pot at the base of a braided hibiscus I was overjoyed with the way they looked. The plant blooms profusely and I love its trailing nature.

When I brought the hibiscus in for the winter last year, 'Bonfire' went dormant, which I assumed meant it died. I grew the hibiscus in the window all season and when I started to fertilize and water the plant more in March those 'Bonfire' plants sprouted up.

They had no light at all, but managed some pale green foliage. After digging them out, I put them up in the windowsill they thrived and were ready to be planted out in the spring.

I left one in the base of the hibiscus tree and these other two were put into this cement planter I picked up in Kittanning on a day trip.

I love the fact that I'll be able to save it another winter with ease and being cheap it's a fantastic deal to make an annual last for seasons.

If your garden center or nursery has any 'Bonfire' plants left, get them at a bargain as your first purchase for the spring 2011 garden.