Begonia 'Rocheart' (R)
begonia 'Rocheart'
A rhizomatous tender, evergreen perennial with medium to large spirally-formed leaves. These have a browny-red edge, with dark green in the central spiral and a mid-green filler with white spots. The reverse of the leaf is red. Compact but vigorous plants reach 25cm in height
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Brown Green Red White | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Brown Green Red White | |||
| Autumn | Brown Green Red White | |||
| Winter | Brown Green Red White |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Begoniaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- 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
Unresolved
- 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 or in frost-free environment. See begonia cultivation - houseplants
Propagation
Propagate by leaf cuttings or sections of rhizome in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
Pruning
No pruning required just 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.