Begonia 'Silver King' (R)
begonia 'Silver King'
A tender perennial with medium to large leaves in metallic silver-grey flushed at the edges with pink and with green marbled veining. They are red on the reverse. Reaches 30cm in height
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver Pink Red | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Grey Silver Pink Red | |||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver Pink Red | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver Pink Red |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Begoniaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
Grow under glass, in indirect light, or in frost-free, humid environment. Avoid wetting the leaves. See begonia cultivation - houseplants
Propagation
Cultivars should be propagated by leaf cuttings or sections of rhizome in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Sub-tropical
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
No pruning required but remove dead or 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
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.