Begonia chitoensis

Herbaceous Perennial Bedding Conservatory Greenhouse

A rhizomatous perennial, with thick, creeping rhizomes and upright stems, usually to around 40cm high but can reach almost 1m in ideal conditions. Leaves are asymmetric, slightly glossy and deep green. Loose clusters of pink flowers are produced from summer to early autumn

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Begoniaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
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
N & C Taiwan

How to Grow

Cultivation

Thrives in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil, in dappled or afternoon shade. May be planted out in mild areas, after the last frosts and with winter protection; elsewhere, best planted in containers that can be moved indoors over winter. See begonias: outdoors for further information

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by root cuttings of rhizome sections in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Bedding
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs

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