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Herbaceous Perennial

Begonia albopicta (C)

guinea-wing begonia

A semi-pendent to upright, well-branched, cane-stemmed begonia with wavy-edged, lance-shaped leaves about 8cm long, glossy green with small, silver spots. Hanging clusters of simple, greenish-white flowers are produced in summer

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Ultimate height

0.1–0.5 metres

Time to ultimate height

2–5 years

Ultimate spread

0.5–1 metres

Loam

Moisture

Well–drained

pH

Acid, Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Partial shade

Aspect

East–facing or West–facing

Exposure

Sheltered

Hardiness
Hardiness ratings
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)

Botanical details

Family: Begoniaceae
Native to GB / Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
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
Horticultural Group: Cane-stem begonias are erect, evergreen perennials with fibrous roots and cane-like stems with asymmetrical, strongly toothed leaves, often strikingly marked, and showy flower clusters in spring or summer

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in light, well-drained, peat-free, acid to neutral potting compost. Place in filtered light with shade from hot sun at an optimum of 15C to 22C, with high humidity. Will not tolerate continuous direct sunlight or waterlogging. Water moderately when in growth and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser at alternative waterings. See begonias: houseplants for further information

Propagation

Propagate by stem cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Houseplants
Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

Cut back overlong canes to two or three buds in late spring

Pests

May be susceptible to caterpillars, mealybugs, mites, glasshouse thrips, vine weevil and aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to grey mould, powdery mildews and stem rot

Get involved

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