Begonia 'Rocheart' (R)

RHS Plant Profile
begonia 'Rocheart'
begonia 'Rocheart' RHS
Award of Garden Merit
Conservatory Greenhouse Houseplants

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

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1B

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical 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