A vigorous tuberous perennial, about 45-60cm in height, with asymmetric leaves, dark green above with finely toothed edges and saturated with dark purple-red beneath. Loose, hanging sprays of slightly fragrant, pale-pink flowers are borne on long, reddish stems in late summer
0.1-0.5 metres
0.1-0.5 metres
| Season | Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Thrives in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained neutral to acid soil, in dappled or afternoon shade. May need winter protection in colder regions, and can be slow to start in spring. Will not tolerate waterlogging. See begonias: outdoors for further information
Propagate by basal softwood cuttings in spring, or by seed; plants will often self-seed, dropping tiny bulblets from the stems in late summer
No pruning required
May be susceptible to caterpillars, mealybugs, mites, thrips, vine weevil and aphids
May be susceptible to grey moulds (botrytis), powdery mildews and stem rot