Begonia (Superba Group) 'Sophie Cecile' (C)
begonia 'Sophie Cecile'
An upright, bushy, cane-stemmed begonia to 60cm tall, with deeply lobed, dark green leaves to 20cm long, bearing silver flecks; the undersides are brown-red. In summer it produces loose, pendant clusters of pink flowers
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Begoniaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- 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
Accepted
- 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
Under glass, grow in well-drained, neutral to slightly acid, peat-free, loam-based compost in bright, filtered light. See begonias: houseplants for further information
Propagation
Propagate by stem cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Low Maintenance
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
Cut back overlong canes to 2 or 3 buds in spring or early summer
Pests
May be susceptible to caterpillars, mealy bugs, mites, glasshouse thrips, vine weevil and aphids
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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.