Hey Sophie,

The Mallet class needs no extra care over what a cane gets IMO. You will have to pay a little extra attention to mildew issues in fall/winter treatment. I have lost many due to mildew in the past. I think I have found a better solution to my problem with mildew in the last two years by cutting the watering to a bare minimum in winter. So far this winter, no dreaded mildew. In summer they grow like gangbusters and can take full sun after some acclimation.

I care not about leaf production in winter and will pick off any yellowing, damaged leaves to keep problems at a minimum. It is summer time that I would hope to see some great results. I have been able to keep Sinbad going for 4 years now without having to replace it annually and have added Lynda Dawn back into my collection. Hopefully in the future I can add Maurice Amey and Pink Minx back as well.

Sinbad quickly shaded out the other begonias in this 18" pot but by next spring was dead. This was 2005. It had a big beech to shade the backside so it was prettier on the sunny side.

Thank you so much.I wonder also if they need more humitidy and warm place instairs?