Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green Red | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Red | |||
| Autumn | Green Red | |||
| Winter | Green Red |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–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
Correct
- Plant range
- Brazil
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass grow in light, well-drained loam-based or loam-less potting compost in filtered light with shade from hot sun at an optimum of 19°C. Will not tolerate continuous direct sunlight or waterlogging. Water moderately when in growth and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser at alternative waterings. See Begonias: houseplants for further advice.
Propagation
Propagate by leaf cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
Cut back over long canes to 2 or 3 buds in late spring
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.