Featuring a new plant for me to grow, Hiemalis begonia Baladin double up.

image from Pinterest 

Weather is changing back to what Feb winter weather is supposed to be.  High today is 36F(2C) which is close to what are average temperature is.  It is cloudy out, so it is going to feel cooler with the wind out of the N.  stay warm, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends for Feb 20 Friday will have 81F(26C).  That might be a little warmer for them.  Stay cool, stay safe.
 
I was asked to show more pictures to help with knowing spring is coming.  I will feature certain plants that I am growing.  This begonia is not new in the market, but it is new for me to grow.  It is Begonia Baladi Double up with is a Hiemalis begonia.  I know some of you have grown these.  I love the fullness of blooms.  I am partial to begonias as my mom raised them.  She mostly did nonstop begonias, and waxed begonias. 
 
Begonia Baladi Double up Semi-double deep red blossom clusters and waxy heart shaped foliage are great as stand alone plants in containers. Also known as Heim. Begonia
 
I looked up what Hiemalis begonias were and found this out about being a houseplant.  Hiemalis begonia, also known as Rieger or Elatior begonia, is a winter-flowering hybrid prized for its vibrant blooms and glossy foliage, thriving indoors with bright, indirect light and moderate humidity.

Hiemalis begonia is a hybrid between wax and tuberous begonias, producing waxy green leaves and profuse flowers in shades of red, pink, orange, yellow, and white. Mature plants typically reach 10–18 inches in height and can bloom for several weeks indoors, making them ideal for brightening winter months. Though often sold as annuals, they are perennials and can be maintained for multiple seasons with proper care.
Place your Hiemalis begonia in bright, indirect light. A south-facing window is ideal, but avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. For indoor growth, ensure the plant receives 14 hours of light daily to encourage flowering. If natural light is insufficient, supplemental grow lights can help maintain blooms.
Water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry, allowing the soil to drain well. Avoid wetting the foliage to prevent fungal diseases. Hiemalis begonias prefer moderate humidity; use a humidity tray or a room humidifier rather than misting. Overwatering or letting the soil dry out completely can cause bud drop or leaf wilting.
Use fertile, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH of 5.5–6.75. Feed the plant with a high-phosphorus fertilizer every 3–4 weeks to promote flowering, following package instructions and watering immediately after application. Repot annually or when the plant doubles in size to replenish nutrients.
Hiemalis begonias thrive in cool to moderate temperatures, ideally between 50–75°F (10–24°C). Avoid exposing them to temperatures above 80°F, which can stress the plant and reduce flowering.
Hiemalis begonia is a rewarding indoor plant that provides vibrant winter blooms with proper care, making it a popular choice for houseplant enthusiasts and container gardeners alike.
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How about growing outside?
Popularized by Otto Rieger of Nurtingen, Germany, the Rieger begonia initially dazzled judges at the International Flower Show in Vienna in1964. Rieger won the gold medal for his Rieger Elatior begonias—a cross between the standard wax begonia and the tuberous begonia.
With their vividly colorful flowers and large, glossy leaves, Rieger begonias (Begonia x hiemalis) quickly made their way to gardens and greenhouses across the U.S. and Canada. These days you can find them listed for sale under the name “Rieger,” “Elatior,” or as the Hiemalis begonia or winter begonia. (The Latin “hiemalis” translates to “winter.”)
Overwatering the Rieger begonia is one common mistake new begonia grower make. To determine whether it’s time to water, feel the top inch or so of your plant’s soil. If it feels dry, water your plant by setting the base its pot in a shallow dish of water. Give the plant some time to draw water up from the bottom, but don’t let it remain this way for too long, as that can promote root rot. Ten minutes is ample.
Also, as a general rule, you should always try to keep the leaves of your Rieger begonias dry. This helps reduce the likelihood that your plant will contract a common fungal disease like powdery mildew.
If you live in USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b, you may be able to keep your Rieger begonias growing outdoors, year-round. Just remember that these plants do best if grown near a wind break and if they’re planted in a spot that gets part sun in the early morning or evening rather than full sun during the hottest part of the day.
Taken from https://savvygardening.com/rieger-begonia/
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse