Begonia annulata
A rhizomatous perennial, to around 30cm high, with an upright habit and roughly hairy stems and leaves. Leaves are asymmetric, to 15cm long and dark green with a silver band, with wavy edges and reddish undersides. Flowers are white to pale pink, borne in small loose clusters from the leaf axils, and can be produced from late winter to early summer
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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 Pink | Green Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White Pink | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | White Pink | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Begoniaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy, Columnar upright
- 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
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in light, open, well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic potting compost, in bright indirect light, at an optimum temperature of 15-20ºC, and with moderate humidity. Water moderately when in growth, with balanced liquid fertilizer at alternate waterings, and sparingly in winter: immerse the container in water and allow the water to drain, to minimize the risk of rhizome rot. Pot on annually in spring. For more advice, see begonias: houseplants
Propagation
Propagate by basal softwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Sub-tropical
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to caterpillars, mealybugs, mites, thrips, vine weevil and aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to grey moulds (Botrytis), powdery mildews and stem and rhizome rot
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