Begonia 'Fairy Lights' (T)
begonia 'Fairy Lights'
A bushy, tuberous perennial up to 70cm tall with oval, pointed leaves and, from summer into early autumn, double flowers, each creamy-white petal flushed and edged pinkish-red
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Cream Pink Red White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Cream Pink Red White | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Begoniaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
- Tuberhybrida begonias are bushy tuberous perennials with glossy leaves and usually double flowers in small clusters in summer; most are dormant in winter
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant tubers indoors in spring in light, well-drained, neutral compost. Plants may be grown permanently under glass in bright light shaded from direct sun. Otherwise plant out in moist, well-drained, fertile soil in sun or semi-shade when all risk of frost is past. Dry off tubers in winter and store frost-free. For further information see Begonias: outdoors
Propagation
Propagate by basal cuttings or stem cuttings from side shoots
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Deadhead to prolong flowering
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.