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HouseplantsConservatory Greenhouse

Begonia heracleifolia

star begonia

A rhizomatous species whose palmate leaves have white principal veins, a green inner zone and a darker outline. Their undersides are burgundy and the leaf stems are spotted with red. Flowers may be pale pink or white and are held in upright clusters

Other common names
star leaf begonia
Synonyms
Begonia trigonoptera
Begonia radiata
see moreBegonia punctata
Begonia tanacetifolia
Begonia heracleifolia var. punctata
Begonia longipila
Begonia jatrophifolia
Begonia heracleifolia var. longipila
Begonia heracleifolia var. nigricans
Begonia nigrescens

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Red Green Red
Summer Green Red Green Red
Autumn Green Red Green Red
Winter Green Red Pink White Green Red
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1B
Botanical details
Family
Begoniaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Matforming
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

Correct

Plant range
Mexico to Honduras

How to grow

Cultivation

May go dormant after flowering, in which case, reduce watering and keep on the dry side until growth resumes. See begonia cultivation - houseplants

Propagation

Propagate by seed, or divide in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
Pruning

Remove dead or damaged leaves and spent flower spikes

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

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