"Begonia: "a large competitor of impatiens and geranium"

"Worldwide, we see an increase in demand for the outdoor begonias" says Matthias Rohde, owner of Rieger Begonien, a breeder and grower of unrooted cuttings, young plants and half finished plants. According to Rohde, the main reason for this increase is the fact that the begonias are strong, very easy to maintain and have long flowering periods.

"The begonia and especially the double flowered ones are a large competitor of the impatiens and geranium" says Rohde. "In contrast to many geranium and impatiens varieties, the begonia keeps its flowers during times of rough weather. Besides that, there are also begonia varieties that can be placed in full sun without loosing the bright colors of their flowers. "Our Helia line, for example, is a good variety to place outside in the full sun."

The assortment of Rieger Begonien consist of 40 to 50 in- and outdoor begonia varieties that are being grown in a 10.000 m2 sized greenhouse (6500 m2 double glazed and 3500 m2 single glazed) in Germany. The greenhouse is equipped with all necessary modern technologies. "Constantly, we try to come up with new and enhanced varieties that can be placed indoors and outdoors. In 2012, one of our begonia varieties was awarded as begonia of the year; the „Klunker-Heidi“. Lately, we introduced a new scented line. The begonias in this line are only suitable to be placed outside", says Rohde.

For more information:

Rieger Begonien
Matthias Rohde
Email: mail@begonien-rieger.de
www.begonien-rieger.de