Begonia grandis subsp. evansiana
hardy begonia
A tuberous perennial with obliquely ovate, olive-green leaves, sometimes reddish beneath, and nodding clusters of slightly fragrant pale pink or white flowers 2-3cm across in summer
Other common names
beefsteak plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Red | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink White | Green Red | ||
| Autumn | Green Red | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Begoniaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Tufted
- 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
Correct
- Plant range
- E Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow outdoors in well-drained humus-rich, neutral to acidic soil. Grow in good but not direct light in a frost-free area. Under glass grow in well drained loam-less or loam-based compost. Will not tolerate water logging. See Begonias: outdoors for further advice.
Propagation
Propagate by seed, stem tip or leaf cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Low Maintenance
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
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