Begonia 'Silver Spirit' (R)
begonia 'Silver Spirit'
'Silver Spirit' is a bushy plant, to 60cm tall, with large, evergreen leaves that can exceed 30cm in length. The predominantly silvery leaves have dark edges and veins and a dark red-purple and pink central star
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple Red Grey Silver Pink | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Red Grey Silver Pink | |||
| Autumn | Purple Red Grey Silver Pink | |||
| Winter | Purple Red Grey Silver Pink |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Begoniaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
- Horticultural Group
- Rex begonias are evergreen, rhizomatous perennials grown for their handsome, brightly coloured leaves, rather than the small pale pink or white flowers which may appear in spring, summer or autumn
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass, in indirect light, or in frost-free environment. Avoid wetting the leaves. For further information see begonia cultivation - houseplants
Propagation
Cultivars should be propagated by leaf cuttings or sections of rhizome in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
Pruning
No pruning required but remove dead or damaged leaves
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.