Begonia 'Esther Albertine' (C)

RHS Plant Profile
begonia 'Esther Albertine'

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Herbaceous Perennial

An evergreen perennial with cane-like stems, and large, deeply divided green leaves speckled with white. Can grow up to 2.5m high in ideal conditions. Produces large clusters of pale pinkish-white flowers in summer

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Neutral or Acid

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–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)
H1B

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Begoniaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright
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
Accepted
Horticultural Group

Horticultural Classification Codes

Horticultural Classification Codes are often given to genera which have a large number of species or cultivars. They are used to categorise cultivated plants based on specific, shared characteristics such as shape, colour, size or flowering time, and can be displayed as letters or numbers

For example:
Dahlia ‘Sunset Kate (Sin) = Single flower
Rosa ‘Marigold’ (HT) = Hybrid Tea

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 potting compost in full light with shade from hot sun. Optimum growing temperatures are 19-23°C (66-73°F). Water moderately when in growth; avoid waterlogging. See begonias: houseplants for more detailed advice

Propagation

Propagate by softwood tip or stem cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Houseplants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

Cane begonias can sometimes shed lower leaves; to keep foliage evenly bushy, cut back overlong canes to 2 or 3 buds in spring

Pests

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

Diseases

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