Begonia 'China Curl' (R)
begonia 'China Curl'
A perennial, Rex group begonia to 50cm tall, that grows from a rhizome, and is prized for its foliage. Each leaf is very dark purple with silver markings and a distinct spiral where it joins the petiole (leaf stalk)
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 | Purple Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Grey Silver | |||
| Autumn | Purple Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Purple Grey Silver |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Begoniaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- 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
Under glass, grow in well-drained, neutral to slightly acid loam-based compost in bright, filtered light with high humidity. See begonias: houseplants for further information
Propagation
Propagate by leaf cuttings or sections of rhizome
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Sub-tropical
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
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.