Begonia grandis subsp. evansiana 'Simsii'
A vigorous tuberous perennial, up to 80cm high, with asymmetric, deep green leaves with finely toothed edges and red veins on the undersides. Loose, hanging sprays of slightly fragrant, pink flowers are borne on long, reddish stems in late summer
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Pink | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Begoniaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
Thrives in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained neutral to acid soil, in dappled or afternoon shade. May need winter protection in colder regions, and can be slow to start in spring. Will not tolerate waterlogging. See begonias: outdoors for further information
Propagation
Propagate by basal softwood cuttings in spring, or by seed; plants will often self-seed, dropping tiny bulblets from the stems in late summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
- 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 rot
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