Plant lovers were treated to radiant bursts of color at the recently concluded Begonia Autumn Ember art and plant exhibition, held on Nov 14-26 at the Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden – located in the Songjiang district of East China's Shanghai.
With its unique bright reddish-orange to yellowish-green leaves symbolizing autumn trees just before winter, the Begonia Autumn Ember variety has taken the begonia world by storm in recent years.
When planted with others, this special type of begonia – created by crossing the Begonia Marmaduke and Begonia Angel Glow varieties – shines and from a distance, its mass of orange leaves grabs everyone's attention.
This year's exhibition showcased over 100 varieties of Begonia Autumn Ember from around the world.
The event was seen as a celebration of the dazzling foliage of these ornamental plants, with each leaf telling a unique story of the changing seasons.
Various types of Begonia Autumn Embers and artworks inspired by these remarkable plants go on display at Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden. [Photo/eastday.com]
Divided into two fascinating zones – the Rare Plant Pavilion and the Shared Exhibition Hall – the exhibition offered a delightful experience for plant lovers.
The Rare Plant Pavilion provided insights into the collective beauty and natural habitats of begonias, while the Shared Exhibition Hall featured individual specimens in a lively and engaging setting.
The whole exhibition was adorned with various imaginative display features art walls – creating a dynamic, visually appealing atmosphere.
A star attraction of the show was the spotlight on two exceptional Begonia Autumn Ember varieties cultivated by the Chenshan Botanical Garden: Ningming Silver and Chenshan Silver.
Ningming Silver, internationally acclaimed since 2017, became China's first globally recognized begonia variety. Chenshan Silver, a 2020 international debutante, boasts leaves with a glorious silver hue, adding a touch of elegance to the garden.
Overall, visitors were not only treated to a visual feast but also gained insights into the diverse world of begonias. The exhibition blended education and entertainment – providing a platform for both seasoned botanists and ordinary visitors to appreciate the rich tapestry of these remarkable plants.
