Begonia 'Silver Jewell'

RHS Plant Profile
begonia 'Silver Jewell'
begonia 'Silver Jewell' RHS
Award of Garden Merit
Conservatory Greenhouse Houseplants

A rhizomatous perennial grown mainly for its foliage. Leaves are heart-shaped with a puckered surface. They are metallic silver with dark green radiating markings. Bears clusters of cream flowers in winter

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1B

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Begoniaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Potentially harmful
Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
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

Grow under glass or in a frost-free environment at around 19°C, out of direct sun. Allow to dry out in between watering but provide high humidity. See begonia cultivation - houseplants

Propagation

Propagate by leaf cuttings or by division of rhizomes

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Patio and container plants
  • Sub-tropical

Pruning

No pruning required- just removed 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