Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Pink | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | Orange Red | Green Pink | |
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Begoniaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Trailing
- Potentially harmful
- Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Begonia can be annuals, evergreen or deciduous perennials or shrubs, with fibrous, tuberous or rhizomatous roots and usually asymmetrical leaves, often strikingly patterned, and small or large flowers, both male and female in the same cluster
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass requires a light, well-drained, neutral to acid, loamless or loam-based soil (JI No2), in bright light with shade from direct sun. Provide moderate water when in growth and dry off tubers in winter, storing at 5-7°C. See Begonias: outdoors for further advice.
Propagation
Propagate by seed at 21°C (70F) in spring. Root basal or stem-tip softwood cuttings in spring and leaf cuttings in late spring or early summer using a propagating case
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
Remove old stems and foliage as plant dies back for the winter
Pests
May be susceptible to caterpillars, mealy bugs, mites, glasshouse thrips, vine weevil and aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to grey moulds, powdery mildews, stem rot and rhizome rot
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.