Skaugum carries a multitude of single orange-red flowers shaped like slightly pendant bells. Double begonias instead produce large, very full blooms with several rows of petals. Skaugum therefore looks lighter, more mobile, and more natural because stems and foliage remain visible between flowers. It is also vigorous and reaches approximately 40 cm (16 in) high according to Van Noort. Single flowers generally retain less water after rain, but fleshy stems remain brittle and need wind protection. Fundamental requirements are still those of a tuberous begonia: partial shade, drainage, consistent moisture, and frost-free storage. The open flower form also creates a less formal visual rhythm in mixed containers.
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Size 6/+ tuber
Begoniaceae
Novelty trailing begonia with single flowers
Bertini Skaugum begonia (Begonia × bertinii ‘Skaugum’)
Begonia × bertinii
Bertini Skaugum is a vigorous tuberous begonia covered with small single orange-red flowers, shaped like slightly pendant bells rather than large double blooms. Its flexible habit suits hanging baskets and elevated containers. Van Noort supplies one size 6/+ tuber producing a plant approximately 40 cm (16 in) high and 20 cm (8 in) wide. Grow it in bright partial shade using rich, airy mix kept evenly moist. Light but regular feeding extends summer flowering. Not hardy through Canadian winters, the tuber becomes dormant after autumn yellowing and stores in darkness under frost-free conditions near 7°C. safely for spring growth.
Quantity
1 tuber
Exposure
Partial shade
Hardiness
Zones 9 to 11; store the tuber frost-free in Canada
Difficulty level
Moderate
Discover the plant
Family
Begoniaceae
Genus
Begonia
Species
× bertinii
Cultivar
Skaugum
Type
Size 6/+ tuber
Cycle
Tender perennial grown as an annual
Bertini Skaugum begonia (Begonia × bertinii ‘Skaugum’) forms a vigorous trailing plant covered with single orange-red flowers. Slightly pendant, bell-shaped blooms create an airy effect distinctly different from large double begonias. Asymmetrical green leaves clothe flexible stems throughout the season. Van Noort supplies one size 6/+ tuber producing a plant about 40 cm (16 in) high and 20 cm (8 in) wide. Abundant summer flowering suits baskets and containers. A tender perennial, this cultivar must spend the winter in frost-free storage throughout regions of Canada that experience freezing temperatures. Proper winter storage preserves it for another season.
Start the tuber indoors eight to twelve weeks before the last frost with its hollow side upward in an airy mix near 15 to 18°C. Moisten sparingly before emergence, then increase water as leafy shoots establish. Transplant into a freely draining basket, harden the plant, and wait until nights remain above 10°C. Provide bright partial shade, rich mix kept moist, and good air circulation. Light regular feeding supports the profusion of flowers, while stagnant water, excessive heat, and strong gusts weaken stems and the tuber. Water directly onto the mix.
Use Skaugum as an orange-red cascade in a hanging basket, tall planter, or urn beneath a porch. Its light single flowers combine readily with bronze, silver, or lime foliage and several blue or white partial-shade flowers. Preserve open space around the crown and keep stems away from traffic. The plant is strictly ornamental; its tissues contain irritating oxalates and should not be consumed. Before frost, reduce water, allow stems to yellow, dry the tuber, and store it in darkness near 7°C until the next indoor restart. Label it clearly during storage.
Planting guide
From planting to establishment.
Planting depth
Set the tuber hollow side upward and cover with 10 to 20 mm (0.4 to 0.8 in) of mix
Spacing / density
1 tuber per 30 to 35 cm (12 to 14 in) basket; 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in) between plants
Establishment temperature
15 to 18°C for shoot development
Establishment time
21 to 42 days
Best planting time
Eight to twelve weeks before the last frost indoors; late May or June outdoors in Canada
Propagation
Tuber; division only when every section carries a bud and viable roots
Growing method
Start Bertini Skaugum indoors eight to twelve weeks before the last frost. Fill a shallow pot with sterile, lightweight, freely draining mix. Set the size 6/+ tuber with its rounded surface down and depression upward, then cover with 10 to 20 mm (0.4 to 0.8 in) of mix. Maintain 15 to 18°C and bright light without direct sun. Moisten lightly around the pot edge; never water into the hollow while roots are scarce. After emergence, increase water gradually and transplant into a 30 to 35 cm (12 to 14 in) basket. Harden the plant for seven to ten days, then move it outdoors when nights remain above 10°C. Keep it in bright partial shade protected from gusts and scorching sun. Water as the surface begins drying, allow drainage, and feed at half strength every two weeks. Single flowers retain less water than double blooms, but fleshy stems remain brittle. Remove damaged tissue, maintain airflow, clear drainage holes, and watch for slugs, aphids, whiteflies, botrytis, powdery mildew, and rot. Consistency supports growth more effectively than abundant applications. After storms, inspect the basket, remove fallen tissue, and empty any water trapped above the liner.
Soil and care
The right conditions.
Exposure
Partial shade
Soil pH
Slightly acidic to neutral
Hardiness zone
Zones 9 to 11; store the tuber frost-free in Canada
Minimum temperature
5°C (41°F)
Watering
Before emergence, maintain light moisture and let air circulate around the tuber. After leaves open, water thoroughly as the surface begins drying, then allow the basket to drain completely. Check daily during heat or wind. Direct water onto the mix, not into the depression or over stems. Drought causes wilting and bud drop, while continual excess leads to rot. Reduce gradually before dormancy. consistently throughout summer.
Soil type
Choose rich, lightweight, porous organic mix that keeps roots moist without retaining a pool of water. Container mix, mature compost, and perlite or fine bark create a useful balance. Drainage holes must remain open after lining the basket. In garden soil, improve a loose humus-rich area; avoid compact clay, saturated hollows, and very dry sand. A slightly acidic to neutral reaction supports nutrient availability and steady root growth.
Fertilization
After several leaves open, apply balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength every two weeks. A slightly higher-potassium formula during bell formation supports flower numbers. Always feed moist mix and flush occasionally with clear water. Avoid excess nitrogen, which stretches and weakens stems. Stop feeding when foliage yellows in autumn. Regular light applications produce steadier bloom than occasional heavy doses and reduce damaging salts around the young roots.
Seasonal care
In late winter, unpack the tuber and check that it remains firm. Cut a small affected area back to healthy tissue with a disinfected tool, let it dry, and place the tuber in a shallow pot. In spring, increase indirect light and water as new leaves develop. Turn the pot, transplant into the final hanging basket, and inspect liner, holes, chains, and hook. Harden Skaugum before outdoor placement. During summer, lift the basket each morning in hot weather. Water until drainage, feed lightly every two weeks, and turn the hanging container for balanced stems. Remove damaged flowers and leaves, clean the mix surface, and watch for slugs, aphids, whiteflies, botrytis, and powdery mildew. Shelter fleshy stems from wind and clear drainage after storms. In autumn, bring the basket under cover before frost and reduce water progressively. When stems yellow and dry, cut them, lift the tuber, and let it dry for several days. Through winter, store near 7°C in darkness in barely moist peat, vermiculite, or sand. Label Skaugum, inspect monthly, and remove rot promptly. If the tuber becomes severely wrinkled, moisten the material lightly without wetting its depression directly. Before every summer watering, inspect the liner, chains, hook, and drainage openings so the heavier wet basket remains secure. Rotate it weekly for even stems and light, then clean fallen flowers from the surface. During storage, keep different cultivars separated and record any damaged tissue removed during monthly inspections.
Container growing
A controlled environment.
Recommended pot size
Hanging basket 30 to 35 cm (12 to 14 in) in diameter and at least 25 cm (10 in) deep
Plant one Skaugum tuber in a hanging basket 30 to 35 cm (12 to 14 in) in diameter and at least 25 cm (10 in) deep. Choose a liner that retains mix without blocking holes. Combine quality substrate, mature compost, and a small amount of perlite. Set the tuber near the surface with the hollow upward. Before emergence, moisten sparingly; afterwards, water until drainage whenever the upper few centimetres dry. Hang in bright partial shade away from gusts, hot sun, and direct rain. Rotate weekly and inspect the hanger because a wet basket becomes heavy. Feed at half strength every two weeks. Single flowers have a light appearance, so avoid hiding them with vigorous companions. Clean fallen tissue regularly and leave air around the crown. Before frost, bring the basket under cover, reduce water, and let stems decline. Lift the tuber, dry it, and store near 7°C. At the next restart, disinfect the container, replace most of the mix, and inspect every fitting again before hanging the plant. If roots fill the volume, wait until the following restart to repot. Keep the crown visible, avoid unnecessary pruning, and clean the basket before winter storage. A labelled container prevents confusion with other red begonias.
Bloom and dimensions
The complete profile.
Flower color
Orange red
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Deciduous during dormancy, with fleshy asymmetrical leaves
Growth rate
Moderate
Bloom period
Numerous single orange-red flowers appear in summer and continue until frost. Their slightly pendant bell shape reveals stems and creates a moving cascade. Bright filtered light and light regular feeding support bud production, while deep shade reduces numbers. Remove damaged flowers after storms and keep foliage airy to limit botrytis and preserve a continuous display. Prompt cleanup keeps neighbouring bells dry, protects developing buds, and maintains a light, orderly cascade.
Fruiting
None
Harvest
None
Garden associations
What to plant with it.
Good companions
Pair its orange-red bells with bronze coleus, silver dichondra, lime creeping Jenny, blue or white lobelia, and a small fern. These companions share partial shade and moist mix. Trim them before they conceal the single flowers, preserve air around the tuber, and group only similar water requirements. Avoid succulents, full-sun species, and aggressive roots. Compact impatiens can also complete a broad, freely drained urn. Match watering requirements, trim companions before they conceal the small bells, and keep open space around the crown. Avoid crowded roots that dry the basket too quickly or retain water against the tuber after rain.
Avoid planting with
The main problems are powdery mildew, tuber rot caused by excessive moisture, aphids, and slugs on young shoots.
Grow Bertini Skaugum as a trailing ornamental in a hanging basket, urn, or window box in partial shade. Its multitude of orange-red bells animates a porch or balcony without the mass of double flowers. The basket moves before storms and the tuber stores after the season. Do not consume any part because irritating oxalates are more concentrated in the tuber. Keep it away from pets and children, then wash hands and tools after handling. Careful storage lets the same cultivar return for several summers.
Frequently asked questions
Everything toknow.
Eight to twelve weeks before the final frost, set the tuber in a shallow pot with its rounded side down and depression upward. Cover with 10 to 20 mm (0.4 to 0.8 in) of lightweight mix. Maintain 15 to 18°C, bright indirect light, and very moderate moisture until emergence. Water must never collect in the hollow. Once several leaves have opened and roots hold the mix together, transplant into the final basket. Increase watering gradually, turn the container for balanced shoots, and harden the plant for seven to ten days before leaving it outdoors after frost. safely.
Deep shade, repeated drought, excessive nitrogen, or a still-weak tuber can reduce flowering. Provide bright partial shade with gentle morning sun, then keep the mix evenly moist. Feed at half strength every two weeks while roots are active and choose a slightly higher-potassium formula during bud formation. Do not attempt to compensate for inadequate light with more fertilizer. Check beneath leaves for aphids and whiteflies. Finally, give a newly purchased tuber time to build healthy foliage because strong growth must precede abundant flowering. Rotate the basket weekly for even exposure, clear drainage after storms, and remove fallen flowers before they decay on the mix. A stable location also prevents repeated wind damage that diverts energy from new buds.
Yes. Bring the basket under cover before frost, reduce water, and wait for stems to yellow and dry. Cut them, lift the tuber, and brush away soil. Let it dry for several days in a ventilated place, then set it in barely moist peat, sand, or vermiculite. Store in darkness near 7°C under frost-free conditions. Label Bertini Skaugum clearly and inspect monthly. Remove a soft area with a disinfected tool; moisten the material lightly only if the tuber shrivels considerably. Restart it eight to twelve weeks before the next outdoor date and avoid heavy watering before roots develop. carefully.
Yes. Like other begonias, it contains irritating oxalates, especially concentrated in the tuber. Hang the basket beyond reach, store the dormant tuber in a closed container, and collect fallen fragments. A dog or cat chewing the plant may develop mouth pain, drooling, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing. If ingestion or symptoms occur, contact a veterinarian or animal poison service promptly and provide the name Begonia × bertinii ‘Skaugum’. Do not induce vomiting without professional direction. Wear gloves if sap irritates your skin and clean tools after use. Dispose of pruned pieces where curious animals cannot retrieve them and clean the storage box before placing the dormant tuber inside.
Its strengths, naturally.
Not recommended for pets
Pets
Plants that attract butterflies
Butterflies
